Floor-area Ratio

Core Field

Floor-area Ratio (FAR)

• Associated Fields: FAR_SPEC, FAR_OVE, FAR_CALC, FAR_EFF

• Value Referenced In: MXDU_CALC2, DUpAC_CALC2

This field catalogs the maximum FAR allowed in a zone by-right. This allows a standardized comparison of density across zones that allow non-residential uses.

Estimation

Approximately 60% of the zones in the Atlas where non-residential uses are allowed by-right have a FAR sourced from a Bylaw or Ordinance; the same is true for approximately 35% of the zones where only residential uses are allowed by-right.

MAPC estimated FAR for zones where non-residential uses are allowed by-right by multiplying maximum percent lot coverage by maximum floors. We were able to estimate FAR for about 50% of these zones using values specified in the Bylaw or Ordinance, PCTLOTCOV and MXFLRS, but did use estimated reference values, PLC_EFF and MXFL_EFF, for about 40%.

The remaining 10% of zones in the Zoning Atlas where non-residential uses are allowed by-right have an estimate in the FAR_OVE field.