Subject to Subsections B, C and D of this section, every lot developed for residential purposes shall have the number of square feet per dwelling unit indicated in the Schedule of Zone Regulations tables in Articles VI and VII. In determining the number of dwelling units permissible on a tract of land, the base densities established in Figure V-1 shall be used.[1] When calculating the number of dwelling units for a tract of land, fractions of a dwelling unit shall be rounded to the nearest whole number. The established residential densities work in combination with minimum lot sizes to limit the number of units that can be located on a given property. As a result, it may not always be feasible to achieve the permitted density on a given property through conventional subdivision of minimum sized lots. In many cases, the development must meet clustering standards to achieve the established density. In some cases, the physical constraints of the parcel will require that a tighter clustering of dwellings through a mixed residential cluster or a planned development floating zone be used to achieve the permitted density.

On lots containing 12,000 square feet or less, two-family conversions in primary residences with an accessory shall be allowed only on lots containing 50% more than the minimum square footage required for one dwelling unit in the zone.

Bonus densities over the base densities shall be permitted as set forth in Article VII, Planned Development Zone Regulations; Article XIV, Cluster Development; and, Article XV, Moderately Priced Dwellings. Figure V-1 illustrates how this range of densities may be reached through the various degrees of performance.

An accessory apartment shall not constitute a dwelling unit for purposes of density calculations.

Residential density in the activity center zones is established in Article VI, § 297-96.