Properties included in the model have total development
potential, measured by FAR and residential units, of 20%
or less of the maximum allowed under local zoning law.
All properties above this level are considered "built
out" and do not factor in to the maximum potential units
number.
FAR is "floor area ratio" and controls how many square feet of building you can have on a given lot. I'd love to have a slider for this, since increasing the allowable FAR is a good way to make more efficient use of limited land.
(For example, zoning where I live sets a maximum FAR of 0.75, but most properties are over that limit and grandfathered in, averaging more like 0.90. Allowing people to build to 0.90 instead of 0.75 would not substantially change the feel of the area, and would make a lot more units available.)
(For example, zoning where I live sets a maximum FAR of 0.75, but most properties are over that limit and grandfathered in, averaging more like 0.90. Allowing people to build to 0.90 instead of 0.75 would not substantially change the feel of the area, and would make a lot more units available.)