Minimum Lot Size

Core Field

Minimum Lot Size (MINLOTSIZE)

• Associated Fields: MNLS_SPEC, MNLS_OVE, MNLS_CALC, MNLS_EFF, MNLS_ESVAL

• Value Referenced In: DUpAC_CALC1 , DUpAC_CALC3

This field catalogs the size of the smallest developable lot within a zone, in square feet.

Interpretation

In zones with multiple sets of dimensional regulations, the MINLOTSIZE value published in the Zoning Atlas corresponds with the greatest density use allowed in the zone by-right, as determined by maximum dwelling units per acre (DUpAC), in the case of residential development, or by the floor-area ratio (FAR), in the case of mixed-use or non-residential development.

In zones with tiered minimum lot sizes, the MINLOTSIZE value published in the Zoning Atlas corresponds with the minimum lot size for the largest structure allowed by-right in that zone.

Example: A zone with a maximum of six dwelling units per lot, which specifies a minimum lot size of 5,000SF for the first dwelling unit and then 2,500SF for each additional dwelling unit would have a MINLOTSIZE of 17,000SF, equal to (5,000SF + (2,500SF * (5 additional dwelling units).

When we could not determine the largest structure allowed by-right in a zone, and thus could not reasonably calculate the applicable minimum lot size, we recorded the base value for MINLOTSIZE.

Estimation

MINLOTSIZE is populated for approximately 80% of the zones in the Zoning Atlas.

MAPC was able to estimate minimum lot size for an additional 2% of the zones by multiplying the specified values for Maximum Dwelling Units (MAXDU) and Minimum Land Area per Dwelling Unit (LApDU). These estimates are in the MNLS_CALC field.

Support

MINLOTSIZE is used in one estimation of maximum dwelling units per acre, DUpAC_CALC1. MNLS_EFF is used is a second estimation of maximum dwelling units per acre, DUpAC_CALC3.