Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary residences located on the same lot as a primary single-family home; they can be integrated within the main house, attached to it, or in a separate structure like a converted garage. Under New Hampshire state law (RSA 674:71-73), municipalities must allow at least one attached ADU per single-family dwelling, ensuring it includes provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. ADUs enhance housing affordability and diversity by providing additional living spaces without altering the neighborhood’s architectural character 

Small Houses or Cottages
A small home or cottage is a structure intended for year-round occupancy on its own lot that meets the requirements of the state building code, as defined in RSA 155-A, and is larger than 600 square feet but less than 1,000 square feet. Small homes and cottages must comply with all sanitary waste provisions required by the NH Water Supply and Pollution Control Commission and any local ordinances and regulations. 

 

This could include tiny homes, which are structures intended for year-round occupancy on their own lot that meet the requirements of the state building code, as defined in RSA 155-A, and are no larger than 600 square feet. These may include single-room structures and must comply with all sanitary waste provisions required by the NH Water Supply and Pollution Control Commission and any local ordinances and regulations.

Cottage Courts
Cottage developments often include a group of small (1 to 1.5-story), detached structures arranged around a shared court or common. The shared area is an important community-enhancing element, and unit entrances often face and are accessed from the shared court. In some cases, a mix of unit types is permitted as part of a cottage court development, but they are most typically single-family units. Because of their small size and sense of community, they often appeal to smaller households and various age groups and can be priced to provide workforce housing. They can be arranged on small lots as infill developments in denser parts of the community or configured as cluster developments in rural areas with open space set aside.

Duplexes and Triplexes
A duplex is a house divided into two living units with a separate entrance for each. An example of this can be seen in the photo of the blue home. They can be configured as side-by-side, up-and-down, or front-and-back units to blend into the architectural styles of a neighborhood. A Triplex is a house divided into three living units with a separate entrance for each, and it can also be configured in many different ways. Both structure types provide an opportunity to efficiently and affordably provide housing to residents. 

Barndominiums
A barndominium is a barn-style home that combines rustic aesthetics with modern living. They typically offer open layouts, durability, and can reinforce a traditional building style.  In Milford, these homes could provide a cost-effective and flexible housing option while maintaining the town’s rural character. Their affordability and potential for multi-use spaces make them a practical alternative for single-family or multi-family housing.

Conversions of Large Single-Family Dwellings to Multiple-Family Dwellings
Conversions of large single-family dwellings to multiple-family dwellings can help expand Milford’s housing options while maintaining existing structures. Larger homes can be adapted into duplexes, triplexes, or multi-unit residences by reconfiguring interior layouts, adding separate entrances, and ensuring compliance with zoning and building codes. This approach creates affordable rental or ownership opportunities, supports multi-generational living, and increases housing diversity without requiring extensive new development. 

Townhomes
The construction of townhouse multi-family properties in Milford could expand the housing choices available to residents. Townhouse units can be configured in many ways and provide home ownership or rental opportunities. They are typically a less expensive alternative to single-family homes because they require less land per unit and provide other efficiencies through shared infrastructure.

Garden Style Apartments
Garden-style housing refers to low-rise residential buildings, typically one to four stories high, with abundant green spaces such as landscaped courtyards, lawns, and gardens. While often accessed off an internal corridor, these apartments can provide direct access to outdoor areas, offering residents a serene, nature-oriented living environment. They can also be incorporated into the upper stories of a mixed-use development 

Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse, or "adaptive use," is repurposing existing buildings for new functions. This approach preserves historical and architectural heritage and revitalizes communities by transforming underutilized structures into valuable assets. In New Hampshire, adaptive reuse has been successfully implemented in various projects, such as converting old mills into residential units and repurposing historic schools into community centers. This approach effectively addresses housing needs and preserves the state's rich architectural history. 

Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-use development integrates various functions—such as residential, commercial, cultural, entertainment, and institutional—into a single project, fostering vibrant, walkable communities. This approach can manifest as residential buildings with ground-floor retail spaces, office buildings with upper-floor apartments, or entire neighborhoods blending diverse residential types with commercial and cultural amenities. Such projects can take place as infill developments, redevelopment projects, or new developments.