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Floor Area Ratio Formula:
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Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is the ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of the land parcel on which the building is located. It is a key zoning regulation used by municipalities to control building density and urban development.
The calculator uses the Floor Area Ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much floor area can be built on a given lot size, helping to regulate building density and ensure proper urban planning.
Details: FAR is crucial for urban planning, zoning regulations, and determining the maximum allowable building size on a property. It helps maintain appropriate density, preserve open spaces, and ensure adequate infrastructure capacity.
Tips: Enter Gross Floor Area and Total Lot Size in the same units (typically square feet or square meters). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is a typical FAR value?
A: FAR values vary by zoning district and location. Residential areas typically have lower FAR (0.5-2.0), while commercial districts may have higher FAR (2.0-10.0+).
Q2: How does FAR affect building design?
A: FAR determines the maximum building size, influencing whether buildings are built vertically (taller buildings) or horizontally (spread out buildings).
Q3: What's included in Gross Floor Area?
A: GFA typically includes all floor areas within the building's exterior walls, including basements, mezzanines, and attics if they meet certain criteria.
Q4: Are there exemptions from FAR calculations?
A: Some areas may exempt certain spaces like parking garages, mechanical rooms, or below-grade areas from GFA calculations, depending on local regulations.
Q5: How does FAR relate to building density?
A: Higher FAR generally indicates higher building density, allowing more floor area to be built on a given lot, which can support more residents or commercial activities.