How to add multiple lot types

Add single-family, townhome, and alley-loaded lot types for mixed-product communities.

Written by Raymond Fuorry
March 31, 2026

Layout Generator supports multiple lot types within a single tract, letting you create mixed-product communities with different lot sizes and housing configurations. This article explains how to add and manage lot types.

What lot types are available?

Layout Generator supports three lot type categories:

• Single Family — standard residential lots with configurable width and depth (e.g., 55' × 120', 70' × 130'). You can create multiple single-family lot types at different dimensions.

• Townhome — attached housing units with configurable unit width, unit depth, separation between buildings, and minimum/maximum units per building (e.g., 2–6 units per building).

• Alley-loaded — lots accessed from a rear alley instead of a front-facing street.

There is no limit to how many lot types you can have active on a single tract.

Note: Custom lot types beyond single family, townhome, and alley-loaded (such as duplex or multifamily) are not yet available.

How to add a lot type

To add a new lot type, you can use either of two methods:

1. Click the Zoning rules button in the top-right corner and add a new lot type in the lot types section.
2. Click Lot Types in the bottom toolbar and then click + Add Lot Type.

For each lot type, configure the lot dimensions (width and depth), setbacks, and building footprint.

How to assign lot types to specific areas

To designate where each lot type should be placed on your tract:

1. Click Lot Types in the bottom toolbar. Your lot types appear as chips (e.g., "70' × 110' Single") along with an + Add Lot Type button.
2. Select the lot type you want to place, then click Draw lot type.
3. Draw a polygon around the area of the tract where you want that lot type.
4. Click Generate Layout to fill that zone with the selected lot type.

Each lot type is color-coded on the map for easy visual distinction — for example, different shades of purple and pink help you see where each lot type is placed. The Site Info panel updates with separate lot counts and area totals for each lot type, so you can see exactly how many of each type were generated (e.g., "26 lots, 5.39 ac" for one type and "6 lots, 1.32 ac" for another).

How to create alley-loaded lots

When drawing roads, the Tool mode panel displays both "Road" and "Alleys" options with their respective widths (e.g., Road 70 ft, Alleys 24 ft). Click the Alleys option to switch your drawing tool to alley mode. Roads drawn in alley mode will generate alley-loaded lots — lots accessed from a rear alley instead of a front-facing street. You can switch back and forth between Road and Alleys mode while drawing. Alley widths are configured in the Roads tab of the Zoning rules panel.

How to create single-loaded roads

To place lots on only one side of a road (a single-loaded road), draw the road against the edge of a restricted area. The lots will only generate on the open side. This is useful for roads along park boundaries, buffer zones, or perimeter edges.

Frequently asked questions

Can I modify lot types after roads are drawn?

Yes. You can add, change, or remove lot types at any time. After making changes, click Generate Layout again to regenerate the lots with the updated configuration.

Can I create custom lot types like duplex or multifamily?

Not yet. Layout Generator currently supports single family, townhome, and alley-loaded lot types. Additional lot types may be added in future updates.

Is there a limit to the number of lot types per tract?

No. You can add as many lot types as your development plan requires.

Need help?

If you have questions about lot types, reach out to your TraceAir Customer Success Specialist or start a conversation with us using the chat icon below.