See Floor Area Ratio


Frequently Asked Questions about Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

FAR stands for Floor Area Ratio. It is a zoning metric used to determine the total building floor area permitted on a piece of land relative to the size of that land parcel.

FAR is calculated by dividing the total floor area of all buildings on a lot by the total area of the lot. For example, if a 10,000 SF lot has a building with 20,000 SF of total floor area, the FAR is 2.0.

FAR is a key tool used by city planners and developers to control building density and land use. It influences how much buildable space is allowed and can affect project feasibility, design, and financial modeling.

FAR limits are commonly applied in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments—especially in urban settings where managing building size and open space is critical.

Yes, developers can sometimes request zoning variances or bonuses (e.g., for including affordable housing or public amenities) that allow for a higher FAR than the baseline zoning permits.



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