Two family detached dwelling; what is it?

[giff57]

What the heck is a Two Family Detached Dwelling? A Google search yields many hits in many zoning codes, but what would be an example of one? Our code for instance allows them in one zone and also prohibits dwellings with common walls. More than one principal use per lot is also prohibited in that zone. I cannot think of any example that would allow two families and not violate the other two provisions.

[Rygor]

What the heck is a Two Family Detached Dwelling? A Google search yields many hits in many zoning codes, but what would be an example of one? Our code for instance allows them in one zone and also prohibits dwellings with common walls. More than one principal use per lot is also prohibited in that zone. I cannot think of any example that would allow two families and not violate the other two provisions.

I think it generally refers to single-family dwellings that have been converted to accomodate two families. An example might be converting a basement into a separate apartment, or adding an addition to a house that could either be like an apartment or mother-in-law suite. I've also seen MIL built on top of garages where zoning allows, with separate entrances.

[Richmond Jake]

I worked in a coastal California community where they were called a "two-unit dwelling group" or a "semi-detached, two-unit dwelling group." Essentially, it was two independent living quarters on a single parcel of record.

Unrelated: I was there for over ten years and nobody could define "semi-detached."

[dw914er]

What the heck is a Two Family Detached Dwelling? A Google search yields many hits in many zoning codes, but what would be an example of one? Our code for instance allows them in one zone and also prohibits dwellings with common walls. More than one principal use per lot is also prohibited in that zone. I cannot think of any example that would allow two families and not violate the other two provisions.

In your code, would you consider a "two-family detached dwelling" as two principal uses on one lot, or would the two "units" be considered just the principle use?

[jwhitty]

Sounds like a fancy way of saying duplex.

[giff57]

In your code, would you consider a "two-family detached dwelling" as two principal uses on one lot, or would the two "units" be considered just the principle use?

That is not clear, but thanks, I hadn't thought of that angle.

I worked in a coastal California community where they were called a "two-unit dwelling group" or a "semi-detached, two-unit dwelling group." Essentially, it was two independent living quarters on a single parcel of record.

Unrelated: I was there for over ten years and nobody could define "semi-detached."

I assume that's what they mean, but then they shouldn't prohibit two principle structures on one lot...

[mendelman]

This is what I would interpret it as.

[SW MI Planner]

What the heck is a Two Family Detached Dwelling? A Google search yields many hits in many zoning codes, but what would be an example of one? Our code for instance allows them in one zone and also prohibits dwellings with common walls. More than one principal use per lot is also prohibited in that zone. I cannot think of any example that would allow two families and not violate the other two provisions.

My input is different from the others, but please keep in mind none of the codes I've administered used the attached/detached notion and I'm not familiar with your code, so I could be way off base.

To me, detached makes it sound as though there are two units not attached to each other. Your code that allows them in a district but prohibits dwellings with common walls is consistent with this. So I would think Two Family Detached would be two seperate single family homes on a parcel, and not a duplex.

Regarding the code that prohibits more than one principal use - if two family detached are permitted in a zoning district, the two-family use and structures would be "the principal use" and not inconsistent.

[Cardinal]

This is what I would interpret it as.

Oh, you mean a two flat.

[giff57]

My input is different from the others, but please keep in mind none of the codes I've administered used the attached/detached notion and I'm not familiar with your code, so I could be way off base.

To me, detached makes it sound as though there are two units not attached to each other. Your code that allows them in a district but prohibits dwellings with common walls is consistent with this. So I would think Two Family Detached would be two seperate single family homes on a parcel, and not a duplex.

Regarding the code that prohibits more than one principal use - if two family detached are permitted in a zoning district, the two-family use and structures would be "the principal use" and not inconsistent.

This is helpful, I think this was the idea, although we have no examples currently built.

Thanks everyone!

[michaelskis]

Duplex or 2 flat.In several of the ZO's that I have prepared it has been defined as

A detached building used or designed for use exclusively by two families living independently of each other, providing each family with its own cooking, sleeping and bathing facilities in separate dwelling units. It may also be termed a duplex or a two-flat.

There is also accessory dwelling units or granny flats, which is then determined by size of the primary dwelling vs the size of the accessory dwelling and them both being serviced under common utility connections. These may or may not be attached.

Finally, there is just single family detached dwelling units. These may have independent utilities, share no common walls, and are not connected to any other dwelling units or other non-accessory structures.

[warderjack]

The only thing this sounds like is a single-family home with an accessory dwelling unit on the same lot. For us ADUs can either be attached or detached. For us they are limited to 3 persons, hence why family isn't in the name (for us, we generally consider one family 4 persons).