Missing Middle Housing is a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types compatible in scale with single-family homes to meet the growing demand for walkable neighborhoods.
Benefits/Problem Addressed
Complementary infill housing: The missing middle helps cities add housing while keeping community character
Affordability: Small scale, multiple units help also reduce maintenance and utility costs for owners and/or renters.
Tips & Techniques
Catalogue existing styles: In developing guidance, document the missing middle types that already existing in the community.
Consider locations: Missing middle housing can be sprinkled within neighborhoods or clustered as a transition from commercial districts or higher density, multi-unit buildings.
Examples: Examples include Duplexes, Triplexes, Courtyard and Bungalow Courts and Live/Work units.
Codes & regulations: Update zoning codes if needed; consider form based codes
Hot Buttons: Parking, introduction of rental units near single family homes, use for short term rentals like airbnb
Examples
Portland (OR) Courtyard Housing Design Competition Entries and Winners- 2007
Michigan Missing Middle Design Competition - 2015
MissingMiddleHousing.com
Link to Method Experts
Image: Opticos Design Inc.