Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Definition

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a measure used in urban planning to describe the relationship between the total floor area of a building and the size of the land on which it is built. It helps determine how densely a property can be developed, influencing land use patterns by dictating building heights and massing. A higher FAR indicates a greater density, often leading to more intense land use and potentially affecting infrastructure and community services.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FAR is calculated by dividing the total floor area of all buildings on a lot by the total area of that lot.
2. Different zoning regulations may set specific FAR limits for different types of developments, which can guide urban growth and protect neighborhood character.
3. An FAR of 1.0 means that the building's total floor area is equal to the size of the lot, while an FAR greater than 1.0 allows for more building space than the land area.
4. Using FAR as a planning tool helps to prevent overcrowding and ensures that infrastructure can support new developments.
5. FAR can influence the type of developments in an area, encouraging vertical construction in urban environments while preserving open spaces in suburban areas.

Review Questions

• How does Floor Area Ratio (FAR) impact urban development and community planning?
  • FAR impacts urban development by establishing guidelines for building density, which affects how much space can be developed on a given lot. This ratio influences not only the height and massing of buildings but also the overall character and functionality of neighborhoods. By controlling density through FAR regulations, planners can ensure that infrastructure like roads, schools, and utilities can adequately support population growth and maintain quality of life.
• Discuss how different FAR values can lead to varying land use patterns within a city.
  • Different FAR values create diverse land use patterns by promoting either low-density or high-density developments. For instance, areas with low FAR values may feature single-family homes and green spaces, while regions with higher FAR values often have high-rise apartments or commercial buildings. This variation leads to distinct neighborhood characteristics, influencing everything from transportation needs to local services and amenities available to residents.
• Evaluate the implications of increasing FAR limits on environmental sustainability in urban areas.
  • Increasing FAR limits can lead to denser developments that might strain existing infrastructure and exacerbate environmental issues such as traffic congestion and pollution. However, when planned effectively, higher FAR can promote sustainable practices by encouraging vertical construction that conserves land. It also allows for mixed-use developments where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist, potentially reducing reliance on cars and fostering walkable communities. The challenge lies in balancing development needs with environmental sustainability to create livable urban spaces.

Related terms

Zoning:

The regulatory framework that governs how land can be used and what types of buildings can be constructed in specific areas.

Density:

A measurement of how many people or structures occupy a given area, typically expressed as units per acre or square mile.

Land Use Planning: The process of managing land resources to meet the needs of the community while considering economic, environmental, and social factors.