Floor Area Ratio Clarification
Hello, I would like clarification on FAR. I thought that the equation was:
FAR*buildable lot area = allowable building square footage
by buildable lot area I mean:
total lot area-setback requirements
Is that correct? Or it is just total lot area instead of buildable?
Additionally, the question I had on a practice exam included information about an easement. based on the explanation, the easement doesn't effect the buildable lot area. I guess that is something I should just know to be true..? any information helps! Thanks!
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You may determine the ratio by dividing the total or gross floor area of the building by the gross area of the lot.
See link:
Floor Area Ratio Definition (investopedia.com)
Gang Chen, Author, Architect, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)
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First, remove the concept of setbacks for demonstration purposes. If a lot is 100 sf and the FAR is 1, you can have a 100sf building in whatever configuration (setbacks will pose restrictions later). You can do a single story thats 100sf, two 50sf stories, a 50sf floor with two 25sf floor plates stacked on top. FAR only limits the area of your building based on the area of your lot times a multiplier. Now, another restriction within Zoning is setbacks, this doesn't affect the number of square feet you're allowed to build, but it will shape your configuration. If you have a 20' setback on one side of the lot, you're going to need to keep that 20' clear and stack your square footage in the remainder of the lot. AN EASEMENT is different than a yard, it's an access path. An easement is a legal agreement that someone who doesn't own the lot is allowed to have continued access onto or through the lot for some reason. This easement must remain clear and accessible, but you typically can build above and below the easement, unlike a yard, and it doesn't affect your FAR or allowable area, it just poses another restriction.
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