9-102.090 - DETERMINING FLOOR AREA RATIO

The floor area ratio (FAR) is the ratio of the floor area, excluding the areas described below, of all principal and accessory buildings on a site to the site area. To calculate the FAR, floor area is divided by site area, and typically expressed as a decimal. For example, if the floor area of all buildings on a site totals 20,000 square feet, and the site area is 10,000 square feet, the FAR is expressed as 2.0. In single family homes and duplexes, any portion of a floor with a ceiling height greater than 12 feet is counted twice for purposes of calculating compliance with the maximum residential floor area allowed.

(a)

Excluded from Floor Area in Calculating FAR. The following are excluded from the floor area when calculating FAR.

(1)

Underground Areas. Floor area located below finished grade.

(2)

Parking. Parking areas located below finished grade or finished floor of habitable space where the vertical distance between finished grade and finished floor is five feet or less. Structured parking areas located above finished grade where the vertical distance between finished grade and the floor of the parking level is five feet or less.

(3)

Sideloaded or Detached Garages. Sideloaded or detached garages not exceeding 400 square feet, located to the rear of residential structures, a minimum of 40 feet away from the front lot line, and accessed by a driveway.

FIGURE 9-102.090: DETERMINING FLOOR AREA RATIO