Open Space Ratio
Definition of "Open space ratio"
When talking about the open space ratio we are referring to a term that is used in zoning laws and regulations. The open space ratio is a term used to measure open space on a developed land or zoning lot. The open space ratio is calculated in the percentage of open space in the building's square footage. For example, a housing subdivision containing 100 acres has devoted 10 acres to open space. Therefore, the open space ratio is 1/10 or 10 percent (10/100). Or an office building of 10,000 square feet with an open space ratio of 20% will have 2,000 square feet designated to remain open space.
Open Space Ratio in Residential Real Estate
The term open space ratio is a concept that applies to residential developments, and it usually refers to commonly used open space. While not necessarily a way to determine the ratio of “green” open space on lots of land proposed for residential development. The term open space ratio can refer to two types of open space:
- Allowable Areas
Allowable open space are the areas that are required common areas to be maintained and remain undeveloped for the benefit of those living or working on the lot parcel: parking lots, yard requirements, floodplains, recreational areas, stormwater management systems, etc.
- Prohibited Areas
Prohibited open space areas are privately owned sites that are not accessible for those living or working on the lot parcel and that are also available for further structural developments.
How is Open Space Ratio Calculated?
The open space ratio is a zoning law used by municipalities to be able to control the types of buildings built, their height, and their ratio of open space. It is a means for municipalities to ensure that the open space available on a developed land makes up a certain percentage of the lot developed. In most cases, that requirement is of a 20% open space ratio.
Open Space Ratio Formula:
Open Space Ratio (OSR) = Commonly-owned Open Space / Total Area Proposed for Development
So if you have 12 acres available for residential development and you have 6 acres of commonly-owned open space (ponds, recreation area, parking area, buffers, etc) you will have an open space ratio of 50%.
Popular Real Estate Terms
Legal rule, principle, or tenet. ...
Word, or group of words, that identifies a business or one of its products. The name is registered with U.S. Patent Office and provides legal protection for an indefinite number of renewals ...
Pitched roof that looks like a saw. ...
Federal program in which the U.S. government subsidizes much of the rent paid by low-income people. It applies to rentals of privately owned apartments. ...
Deterioration in property resulting from its ordinary use and from the aging process. An examples an apartment building that physically deteriorates over the years. ...
An income feature added to a mortgage whereby the mortgagee earns income in addition to the mortgage interest and principal payments. Also called an equity kicker, a kicker allows the ...
State laws limiting the interest rate that can be charged to individuals borrowing money in that state. These laws affect all lenders in a state regardless of what federal or state agency ...
Insurance coverage provided for an individual having a lease at a favorable rate, one which is less than the market value of the property. The insurance indemnifies the tenant for business ...
State tax based on the value of property received through inheritance. The tax is paid by the recipient not the estate. Tax paid to the government or state upon the death of the taxpayer ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.