What does density zoning restrict?

Density zoning primarily focuses on regulating the number of housing units per unit of land area, often measured in terms of houses per acre. By imposing limits on density, zoning laws aim to manage population growth, urban sprawl, and the overall environmental impact of development. This type of zoning helps to ensure that there is enough space for necessary infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and parks, while maintaining an appropriate quality of life for residents.

The other options relate to different aspects of zoning regulations. For instance, height restrictions pertain more to the vertical limitations of buildings rather than their density. Minimum square footage requirements set standards for the size of individual homes, which also falls outside the scope of density limitations. Lastly, regulations regarding building materials focus on the safety and aesthetic quality of construction, rather than the number of units permissible on a specific parcel of land. This distinction underscores how density zoning is uniquely centered on the concept of land use and population density.