Existing buildings · Defined
Floor area ratio (FAR)
The relationship between floor area counted under a zoning rule and the relevant lot area.
Why it matters
The jurisdiction determines what counts as floor area and which exclusions apply. Gross building area used in a cost estimate is not necessarily zoning floor area.
In practice
A project example
A mechanical area may be treated differently in the zoning calculation and the construction cost-per-square-foot calculation.
General educational guidance from KOW Building Consultants. Examples are illustrative, not project records. The applicable contract, standard, program, and jurisdiction control the requirements for a specific assignment.