Low Density
Stacked
Triplex
Form: Three units stacked on top of each other. Triplex units can be appropriate for smaller lots where townhomes may not fit. From the outside triplexes can look like a taller one-unit building.
Local presence: Triplexes are not common in Chester County. Examples can be found commonly in more urban areas, such as Boston, Massachusetts, where they will resemble a small apartment building, or less frequently in more suburban areas where they can resemble large single-family detached homes.
Zoning considerations: Triplexes can be individually defined and regulated or defined together with other stacked units. Identifying triplexes as a unique development form can allow municipalities to encourage triplex development in zones where they would be the most appropriately sized units (as opposed to multifamily buildings with more units). Grouping triplexes in definitions with other sized missing middle housing types may result in the construction of fewer larger units or greater units than are appropriate for the neighborhood. Municipalities will need to consider height, lot size, setbacks, and parking. Appropriately scaled maximum building sizes can assist to ensure triplexes remain consistent with existing neighborhood development and encourage more affordably-priced missing middle units. Additionally, municipalities may want to require individual sewage hookups and construction of sidewalks for new units. Maintaining parking in the rear and discouraging uninterrupted front facing walls can encourage attractive units in conformity with existing neighborhoods.
Zoning ordinance examples
- Parkesburg Borough: Defines triplex forms and permits them by-right in the R-3 and R-4 districts.
