Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Right-of-Way • GIS • Smart Growth

FAR (Floor Area Ratio)

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

FAR, which stands for Floor Area Ratio (also known as Floor Space Index or FSI), is a key measurement used in urban planning and real estate development. It's like a recipe that tells how much building space can be constructed on a piece of land. For example, if a site has an FAR of 2.0, it means the total floor area of the building can be twice the size of the land it sits on. Planners and developers use FAR to control building density and ensure developments fit well within their neighborhoods. Think of it as a tool that helps balance between maximizing property use and maintaining appropriate building sizes for different areas.

Examples in Resumes

Analyzed FAR requirements for mixed-use development projects across multiple zones

Successfully negotiated Floor Area Ratio bonuses for affordable housing components

Prepared zoning studies evaluating FAR and density requirements for 15 commercial properties

Managed development applications complying with local FSI regulations

Typical job title: "Urban Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Planner City Planner Zoning Specialist Land Use Planner Development Manager Planning Consultant Zoning Analyst

Where to Find Urban Planners

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Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where a developer wants to exceed the maximum FAR in a historic district?

Expected Answer: A senior planner should discuss the variance process, community engagement, historic preservation considerations, and potential mitigation strategies or alternative solutions.

Q: How do you determine appropriate FAR bonuses for community benefits?

Expected Answer: Should explain the process of evaluating public benefits, local market conditions, community needs, and precedent cases to establish fair and effective incentive programs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain how FAR calculations change for mixed-use developments.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how different uses might have different FAR requirements and how to calculate combined FAR for various building uses.

Q: What factors do you consider when recommending FAR limits for a new zoning district?

Expected Answer: Should discuss neighborhood context, infrastructure capacity, market demands, community goals, and environmental impacts.

Junior Level Questions

Q: How do you calculate FAR for a building?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic formula: total floor area divided by lot area, and know what spaces are typically included or excluded.

Q: What is the difference between FAR and lot coverage?

Expected Answer: Should explain that FAR considers all floor areas stacked vertically, while lot coverage only looks at the building footprint on the ground.