Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a zoning measure that controls building density by limiting total floor area relative to lot size. FAR is calculated by dividing total building floor area by lot area. A FAR of 1.0 means the building can have floor area equal to the lot—perhaps one storey covering the entire lot, or two storeys covering half. Higher FARs allow more intensive development: FAR 3.0 could permit three storeys covering the lot or six storeys covering half. FAR controls help manage density, infrastructure demands, and neighbourhood character without dictating specific building forms. Zoning bylaws specify maximum FAR for different zones, with downtown areas typically allowing higher ratios than residential neighbourhoods. FAR regulations may exclude basements, parking structures, or certain other spaces from the calculation. Developers seeking additional floor area might negotiate density bonuses providing community benefits in exchange for exceeding base FAR limits.