Land Use & Zoning
What is 'floor area ratio' (FAR)?
AThe ratio of a building's first floor area to the total number of floors
BThe ratio of total building floor area to the total land area of the site; used to regulate building intensity✓ Correct
CThe square footage of each floor compared to the one below
DThe percentage of a floor used for commercial purposes
Explanation
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) = Total Building Floor Area ÷ Total Site Area. A FAR of 2.0 means the total floor area can be twice the lot area. FAR is a key development intensity control used in commercial and multifamily zoning.
Related California Land Use & Zoning Questions
- A 'setback' requirement in a zoning code specifies:
- Which term describes the government's right to take private property that has been abandoned and for which there are no identifiable heirs?
- Which California agency is primarily responsible for enforcing state housing law and ensuring cities meet their Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)?
- Spot zoning refers to:
- What is a 'deed covenant' or restrictive covenant in land use?
- What is a 'variance' in zoning?
- A property owner wants to use their land in a way not permitted by current zoning. They apply for permission to deviate from the zoning requirements. This is called a:
- A city adopts a plan that clusters residential buildings on a portion of a large parcel, leaving the rest as open space. This technique is called:
Practice More California Real Estate Questions
1,500+ questions covering all exam topics. Start free — no signup required.
Take the Free California Quiz →