LOT TYPES GUIDE PAGE

Narrow lots are the most common infill site in dense urban markets. Typically ranging from 25 to 40 feet wide, these lots demand compact footprints, vertical massing, and thoughtful interior layouts that preserve light, privacy, and flow despite limited width. Side setbacks — often 3 to 5 feet per side — further reduce the buildable envelope, so efficient use of every foot matters.

Our narrow lot plans are designed for exactly this constraint. You'll find layouts that front-load living spaces for street presence, push garages to the rear or eliminate them in favor of tandem parking, and stack floors to maximize square footage without
sprawling.

Corner lots sit at the intersection of two streets and offer significant design opportunity — two street-facing facades, extra light, and stronger curb presence. The trade-off is that many jurisdictions require larger setbacks on both frontages, which can actually reduce the buildable area compared to a standard interior lot of the
same size.

Our corner lot plans account for dual frontage setbacks and are designed to maximize the visual impact of two public-facing elevations. Entry placement, garage orientation, and window layouts are all calibrated for the corner condition

Sloped infill lots are common in hilly urban markets like Portland, Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco. A downhill or uphill slope introduces structural complexity — and design opportunity. Daylight basements, split-level entries, and terraced outdoor spaces all become viable when the ground itself creates a natural grade change.

Our sloped lot plans are drawn for sites with 5 to 30 percent slopes. They specify the appropriate foundation type (stepped slab, daylight basement, or pier-and-beam in some cases) and include structural notes for the grade condition. Check each plan's specifications for the assumed slope range and foundation type.

Alley-loaded lots have vehicle access from a rear alley rather than the front street. This is an increasingly common configuration in new infill-friendly zoning codes because it removes driveways from the street face — improving the pedestrian environment and giving the front facade a cleaner, more architecturally expressive presence.

Plans designed for alley-loaded lots place garages at the rear of the site, accessed from the alley. This fundamentally changes the front-of-house design: no driveway, no garage door, just a front door, landscaping, and curb appeal.

An ADU — Accessory Dwelling Unit — is a secondary residence on the same lot as a primary home. ADUs have become one of the most powerful tools in urban infill development: they add rental income, accommodate multigenerational families, and maximize the yield of a single lot.

ADU regulations vary dramatically by city and state. Many jurisdictions that have recently relaxed ADU rules still impose size limits, setback requirements, and owner-occupancy requirements, or design standards. Our ADU plans are designed to meet the most common regulatory thresholds. Always verify your city's specific ADU ordinance before purchasing.

Before you browse plans, it pays to spend twenty minutes on a basic site feasibility check. Download our free Infill Lot Feasibility Checklist — a step-by-step guide to pulling your lot's zoning data, understanding your setbacks, and estimating your buildable envelope before you invest in a plan.