Why Some Streets Skip House Numbers Despite Available Space
Have you ever noticed that in some neighborhoods, house numbers can go missing even when there is space for additional houses? This phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors, including historical reasons, zoning changes, property consolidations, renovations, administrative errors, and local practices.
Historical Reasons and Inconsistencies
Some neighborhoods were developed over time, leading to inconsistencies in numbering. Original house numbers may have been assigned based on old maps or plans that no longer reflect the current layouts. Additionally, when neighborhoods grow or evolve, new houses might be built on lands where old records do not reflect the current numbering system.
Zoning Changes and Property Laws
Changes in zoning laws can restrict the types of buildings allowed in certain areas, preventing new homes from being built even if the space exists. For instance, if a zoning law forbids single-family homes in a certain area, existing numbering systems might not be updated, leading to gaps in numbering.
Property Consolidation and House Divisions
In some cases, properties may be combined or split, leading to gaps in numbering. For instance, if two lots were merged into one, the original numbers might be skipped. Similarly, if a house is divided into multiple residences, it may receive multiple numbers, or even fractional numbers, depending on the local practices.
Renovations, Demolitions, and Administrative Errors
Renovations or demolitions of existing homes can cause numbering discrepancies. If a house is demolished, its number may be skipped, especially if the original number was not reused for new construction. Moreover, administrative errors in property records or miscommunication during the planning phase can lead to numbering irregularities.
Urban Planning and Geometric Shapes
In some areas, planners have a strong geometric influence on urban planning. For example, in Michigan, one former Northwest Territory planning committee had a preference for square or rectangular blocks with a maximum of 100 houses per block. This resulted in the use of the last two digits of the address as house numbers and the rest as block numbers. These numbers often act as a reference from an origin point, such as the intersection of "Main St" and "State St," but can be spread out or increased by even numbers.
Geographic and Rural Considerations
In rural areas, geographic features are less restrictive, but there can still be challenges. In some cases, planners encourage cross-roads every mile, leading to a 3-digit numbering system. However, property developers can sometimes create irregular developments with unique street names and layouts, disregarding these guidelines.
Local Practices and Overrides
Local practices vary widely, and sometimes people simply do not follow the rules. In some cases, people might use letters, not bother with numbers at all, or modify numbers based on personal convenience. This can lead to individual variations in numbering systems even within the same community.