Density is an inviolable standard in the MPD process. A zoning district labeled RS-x, for example, permits the development of up to x residential units for any given gross acre in that district. The variable used in conjunction with this standard is a small minimum lot size, which provides the developer of land the flexibility to respond to physical constraints or to target a particular householder by shrinking or enlarging lots.

The following illustrates a simplified scenario using the concept:

Both scenarios show development on the same piece of land. The one on the left is evenly divided into equally sized lots. On the right, there are six townhouse lots and a common open space area. The scenario does not account for right-of-way needs because the CMP will have already accounted for those deductions. [Ord. 847 § 2 (Exh. A), 2008; Ord. 817 § 8-3M.652, 2006.]