Measuring Density

Question 1

Gross Density

Answer 1

Includes all land uses in an area or development site. Dwelling units per acre (or hectare).

Question 2

Net Density

Answer 2

Includes only dwelling units and excludes roads, parks, etc. Dwelling units per acre.

Question 3

Benefits of increased density

Answer 3

Transit more effective

Car dependency drops

Safety (eyes on the street)

Social, cultural capital

Natural capital (less resource depletion per capita)

Complete communities (mixed use, mixed ages, mixed activities)

Complete streets (pedestrian, bikes, cars and transit co-exist)

Question 4

FLOOR SPACE RATIO (FSR)

Answer 4

The floor space ratio is the ratio of the gross floor area of a development to the site area

• FLOOR AREA: SITE AREA
• A one story building covering an entire site has an FSR of 1, ie. 1:1 = 1
• A two story building covering half a lot has a FSR also of 1
• A four story building covering a quarter of a lot also has a FSR of 1

Question 5

FAR (FSR)

Answer 5

Floor area ratio = (total covered area on all floors of all buildings on a certain plot, gross floor area) / (area of the plot)