01
Why Townhomes Are the Builder's Favorite
Fee-simple ownership
Buyers get a deed to land and house, which most lenders and buyers prefer to a condo.
Residential code
Townhouses up to three stories are generally built under the residential code — simpler and less expensive than a commercial-code multiplex.
Flexible exit
Sell all, sell some, or keep them as rentals with the option to sell later.
Strong demand
Entry-level buyers priced out of detached homes in south Snohomish County look for exactly this product.
02
Typical Layouts on a Standard Lot
| Lot | Layout | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 60 × 120 ft, alley access | Row facing the street, garages off the alley | 3–4 |
| 60 × 120 ft, no alley | Row with shared drive along one side | 2–4 |
| Corner lot | Units facing both streets | 3–4 |
| Deep lot 150 ft+ | Front row plus rear row around a shared court | 4–6 |
03
The Details That Make Townhomes Sell
- Two-hour fire separation, carried through the roof as the code requires.
- Acoustic separation good enough that buyers do not hear the neighbor — tested during framing.
- Main-floor living with a powder room; bedrooms up; optional rooftop deck where height limits allow.
- A private outdoor space for every unit, even if small.
- Separate utilities, separate addresses, separate mailboxes.
- Clear shared-element documents: driveway, utilities and landscape maintenance agreements recorded with the plat.
04
How Unit Lots Work With Townhomes
The parent lot keeps meeting the zoning rules as a whole; each townhome sits on a smaller "unit lot" carved out of it. Shared access and utilities are covered by recorded easements. The unit lot plat is usually processed alongside or just after building permits. → Unit Lot Subdivision
05
Townhome FAQ
QHow many townhomes can go on my lot?
It depends on the city tier, transit distance and the city's own code. Many Tier 2 lots that allow four units near transit can take a row of four townhomes; elsewhere two or three is typical. Check → What Can I Build?
QDo townhomes need an HOA?
Not always. A simple shared-maintenance agreement can cover a short driveway and utilities. Larger projects with shared open space usually form a small association.
QCan I live in one and sell the rest?
Yes. That is one of the most common plans we build.