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FAR Equation:
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Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a key urban planning metric that represents the relationship between the total floor area of a building and the size of the plot of land upon which it is built. It's used to regulate building density and control urban development.
The calculator uses the FAR equation:
Where:
Explanation: FAR is a dimensionless number that indicates how much floor space can be built on a given plot of land. A FAR of 1.0 means the total floor area equals the plot area.
Details: FAR is crucial for urban planning, zoning regulations, and real estate development. It helps control population density, ensure adequate light and air circulation, and maintain the character of neighborhoods.
Tips: Enter total floor area and plot area in the same units (typically square feet). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the ratio of total floor area to plot area.
Q1: What is a typical FAR value?
A: FAR values vary by location and zoning. Residential areas might have FARs of 0.5-2.0, while commercial districts might allow 5.0 or higher.
Q2: Does FAR include basement space?
A: It depends on local regulations. Some jurisdictions exclude basements from FAR calculations if they're not habitable space.
Q3: How does FAR differ from building coverage?
A: Building coverage refers to the footprint percentage of the lot, while FAR considers the total floor area across all floors.
Q4: Can FAR be greater than 1?
A: Yes, FAR can exceed 1 when buildings have multiple floors. For example, a 2-story building covering half the lot has FAR = 1.0.
Q5: How do setbacks affect FAR?
A: Setbacks reduce the buildable area but don't directly change the allowed FAR. They may indirectly limit how much of the FAR can be utilized.