1 unit/1500sf of lot area. 2,900 sf lot. Does 1.9 = 1 or 2 units?

[Rami W.]

Never had the opportunity to build, just yet, but I have always been curious.

If zoning states 1 unit allowed for every 1500sf of lot area and the lot just shy of the next full unit, lets say a 2900 sf lot, will the city still allow it for 2 units or does 1.9 mean you are only allowed 1 unit still?

Or are there other calculations/factors in play here, like difference afters setbacks are subtracted, how lenient the city planner is, etc.)?

Thank you!

[Michaela G.]

Probably many differences in different cities. 

For example, in Atlanta, I have a triple lot with 117 ft. road frontage. Zoning requires a lot to have 40' road frontage - I was 3' short. It was suggested to me to try to buy 3' from the neighbor. When the market crashed I bought the property next door (and the one on the other side, and one backing up to it as well - lol)

So, see if there're 100sqf that you could get from a neighbor