Opportunities for Odd Plot Sizes
What do small, irregular, and overlooked parcels of land have in common across the US? They are being reimagined as an answer to America's housing shortage. The New York Times recently explored, "triangular plots from old railroad lines," "crescent-shaped parcels that used to be parking lots," and "narrow strips of land squeezed between buildings" that are gaining attention for being theoretical design puzzles turned into local opportunities to create attainable housing. Join DCH in exploring this trend.
National Policy Shift Builds Local Possibility
The Times article points to a key shift: zoning changes and policy reforms are accelerating nationwide, with 257 significant changes in the nation's 250 largest cities in just the past year, according to ReZone AI. Reforms range from removing minimum lot sizes to reducing parking requirements. These aim to open land for development, especially for areas that need workforce housing or to support a "missing middle."
DCH is a contributor to attainable housing and is committed to reducing the housing shortage in the US. Additionally, DCH is working on single-family homes in Queen City. This introduces new opportunities and challenges to the attainable housing conversation. Formerly, irregular lots were dismissed as "unbuildable," hemmed in by outdated zoning, community opposition, and challenges of fitting traditional housing footprints into nontraditional spaces, but we are seeing constraints differently.
Building on the Edge—Literally
DCH works within limits, lot size, neighborhood preservation, cost barriers, and more. The trend toward building on odd-shaped lots isn't new to non-profit attainable housing developers, it simply validates what we've known all along: creative housing is possible in every corner of our city, even those shaped like a triangle or a crescent.
Transforming unconventional parcels into housing that are not just efficient in space, but that add value in function and design is one of our foundations. Whether it's a sliver of land between alleyways or a curved lot on a dead-end street, we're proving that good design doesn't require a square lot, it requires a clear purpose.
As the Times article highlights, cities like Seattle and Minneapolis have launched successful small-lot housing strategies with remarkable results. Seattle's Corvidae Co-op, for example, fit 10 units onto two single-family lots thanks to zoning updates, offering homes at less than half the city's median price. This is the kind of real-world solution that could be replicated in North Texas.
Why It Matters in Dallas
Dallas faces one of the most severe shortages in the country and equitabel rezoning is frequently up for debate. Odd lots bring something new to this conversation. Here are three advantages:
Affordability: They tend to cost less due to perceived limitations.
Sustainability: Infill development reduces infrastructure strain and car dependency.
Equity: These lots are often in walkable, transit-accessible neighborhoods close to jobs and schools.
As the New York Times noted, "With small lots, development becomes more democratized." That's precisely what DCH is working toward, especially in Queen City, as they tackle single-family home renovations, one creative lot at a time.
Soft Footprints, Big Impact
The most powerful part of this movement? It doesn't take a major developer or a mega project to make a meaningful difference. As the article illustrates, modular builds and site-specific design can turn slivers into homes, side yards into multi-units, and forgotten corners into family opportunities.
Every square foot of land is a chance to say yes to housing. Our work demonstrates that, with the right partnerships, policies, and equitable thinking, we can transform previously idle spaces in a way that honors the existing community.
Normal Challenges with Odd Lots
Irregular lots come with technical and bureaucratic hurdles, from rezoning to utility access. The reward can be more attainable homes, stronger communities, and a more inclusive city. We are excited to bring this national conversation to Dallas forums, and in our strategic housing thinking.
More Reading Here!
"Triangles, Crescents, Slivers: Can Odd-Shaped Lots Help Ease the Housing Crisis?"
By Patrick Sisson, The New York Times, August 2, 2025
