[beat]

I don't think a 4 unit townhome is practical on these small lots with alley garages. Townhome construction around here is a burbs thing, and done in large clumps of 2-10 city blocks or so of area (and which tend to be singularly unattractive and gross).

I don't think it's just zoning here. There have been some small multi-family units built. But they don't sell all that well or seem economically attractive to builders.

And back to my point... I think there's a lot of sort of theoretical macroeconomic handwaving going on when it comes to housing density that flatly rejects engaging with real world conditions in any way. It sounds smart, but it's dumb.

[pchristensen]

Again, not sure about that local market, but modern townhomes of 1500-1800sf on a ~1000sf lot is a very common form. Alley garages make it even easier because then the front can look nice instead of being 75% driveway and garage.