What does FAR stand for in the context of building regulations?

FAR stands for Floor Area Ratio, which is a key metric used in zoning and building regulations to determine the density of development on a given parcel of land. It is calculated by dividing the total floor area of a building by the area of the lot on which it is situated. For example, if a building has a total floor area of 10,000 square feet and is located on a lot that is 5,000 square feet, the FAR would be 2.0.

This ratio serves multiple purposes in urban planning, including managing the scale of development, controlling building heights, and ensuring adequate open space around structures. FAR is crucial for planners and architects as it influences the design, layout, and overall massing of buildings, helping to maintain the character of neighborhoods and ensure that infrastructure can support the proposed density. Understanding FAR is essential for making informed decisions during the design and approval phases of building projects.