Site Density

Definition

Site density refers to the number of units (like houses or apartments) per acre within a specific area.

Analogy

Imagine site density as seats in a movie theater. Each seat represents one unit, and the entire theater represents an acre. A packed theater would represent high site density while an almost empty one would represent low site density.

Related terms

Urban Sprawl: This term describes when cities spread out over more rural land at the outskirts due to population growth, often leading to lower site densities.

Infill Development: This is when new housing units are built on vacant or underused plots within existing urban areas, increasing site density.

Mixed-Use Development: This type of development combines residential, commercial, cultural, institutional or entertainment uses into one building or block, often resulting in higher site densities.