[ProfessorLayton]

Detached homes are a very specific type of housing well suited to specific needs. The problem [In the U.S.] has been that suburbian-style has been prescribed, with little flexibility to accommodate other needs. Lawns, backyards/front yards, and setbacks are great if that's what one desires and is willing to pay for.

However, not everyone wants that, yet is forced to pay for it through zoning rules requiring them. Tall multi-storey townhomes are a great middleground that reduces land costs and retain many of the benefits of SFHs, yet are literally illegal to build in much of the US.

A ton of land in competitive markets is being wasted through zoning, to many people's [And the climate's] detriment.