Build a Townhouse in Cape Breton Regional Municipality

The terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, 'rowhouse' is a broader term describing any attached housing in a row, while 'townhouse' traditionally refers to a specific style often 2-3 storeys with individual entries. For development purposes, both describe the same building type: attached multi-unit housing where each unit has its own ground-level entrance and typically spans multiple floors.

Most zoning bylaws allow 4-6 units in a row, with some jurisdictions permitting up to 8. The practical limit depends on lot dimensions, required setbacks, fire code requirements for unit separation, and neighborhood context. In HRM's ER-3 zones, you can build up to 8 units per lot, making longer townhouse rows possible on appropriate sites.

Townhouses have more exterior wall surface area per unit compared to stacked apartments where units share party walls on multiple sides. Each townhouse unit typically has an exterior wall on two sides plus roof exposure, increasing insulation, siding, and window costs. However, this premium is often offset by higher rents and lower turnover costs.

End units require side yard setbacks that interior units don't need since interior units share party walls. In HRM, side setbacks typically range from 1.2m to 3m depending on the zone and building height. This means a 5-unit townhouse row needs more total lot width than 5 times the individual unit width. Always verify setback requirements for your specific zone.

Townhouses excel in the rental market, particularly for families. They offer the ground-oriented living, private outdoor space, and home-like feel that families desire but often cannot afford to purchase. Rental townhouses command premium rents and experience significantly lower turnover than apartments, as families with school-age children prefer stability. This makes them excellent long-term investment properties.