What is Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and how do I calculate it?

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is tool used to regulate lot coverage and density.  It is a ratio of the gross floor area in a structure to the land area of its lot.  It is calculated by dividing the gross floor area by the total lot size.  FAR accounts for the entire floor area of a building, not simply the building's footprint.  Buildings with varying numbers of stories may have the same FAR value. For example, the FAR of a 1,000-square-foot building with one story situated on a 4,000-square-foot lot would be 0.25. A two-story building on the same lot, where each floor was 500 square feet, would have the same FAR. FAR limits for zoning districts in Brookline can be found in Chapter 5, Table of Dimensional Requirements.

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1. What is zoning and why does my project require zoning relief?
2. What is a pre-existing non-conforming use?
3. What is an “as-of-right” project?
4. Why do I need zoning relief if my structure is non-conforming?
5. What are special permits and variances and what is the process?
6. What is the difference between the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals?
7. How long does a special permit or variance process take?
8. How can I find out what zoning district my home or property is located in?
9. What is Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and how do I calculate it?
10. Do my plans need to be drawn by a registered architect?
11. Do I need an attorney to file an application with a Board or Commission?
12. I would like to put a shed/detached garage/AC condenser/generator on my property. Is this allowed?
13. I would like to add an in-law suite or accessory apartment to my home. Can I do this?
14. What are the regulations pertaining to signage for my business?
15. My neighbor is proposing a project that I am concerned about. What can I do?
16. How do I learn about Major Impact projects and Design Advisory Teams?
17. What is a 40B project?
18. Where can I review past meeting minutes?
19. Where can I read zoning decisions on recent zoning cases?
20. The ZBA voted to approve my application. Now what?
21. There is construction taking place near me that is disruptive/causing a nuisance/does not seem to be following the plans/does not seem to have a work permit/etc. What can I do?
22. Can I subdivide my lot? What is an ANR plan?
23. How can I propose a zoning amendment?
24. How do I learn about Town Meeting zoning amendments?