603

RULES OF MEASUREMENT
603.02 Determining Gross Floor Area 603.03 Determining Floor Area Ratio
GFA is the sum of the horizontal areas of each floor of a building or Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is the ratio of the gross floor area of all buildings
structure, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls, on a plot to the total plot area of the plot upon which such buildings
according to the following rules: are located. To calculate FAR, gross floor area is divided by net plot
area, and typically expressed as a decimal. For example, if the gross
A. Included in Gross Floor Area floor area of all buildings on a plot totals 200 sq m and the net plot
1. The floor area of atriums, shafts, elevator shafts and other area is 100 sq m, the FAR is expressed as 2.0.
open areas are only counted once. Figure 603.C: Determining Gross Floor Area.
2. Stairwells are counted at each floor level.
3. Storage and equipment spaces.
4. Any covered space having a headroom of 2.1 m or more.
Roof terraces and roof
5. Covered balconies enclosed on three (3) sides. equipment are not
counted.
6. Enclosed habitable spaces on a rooftop, such as a Balcony area that is
penthouse dwelling unit, community room or similar enclosed on three sides
is counted.
enclosed space, used by residents, customers or
employees. Balcony area that is
enclosed on two sides
and exterior open-sided
7. All at above and below-grade habitable space. balconies are not
counted.
8. All at and above grade, serviced parking structures. Shafts and other interior
open areas are counted
9. Covered, rooftop terraces and rooftop equipment only once.
enclosures that cover more than 25% of the rooftop area.
Stairwells, storage and
equipment areas are
B. Excluded from Gross Floor Area counted.

1. Any spaces permanently open to the sky; including Gross floor area is
measured from the
spaces covered by semi-open fabric shading devices. exterior face of exterior
walls or from the
2. Projecting portions of balconies or uncovered parts of centreline of a wall
separating two buildings.
balconies that are not, enclosed by roofs and/or walls.
Areas below grade are
3. Parking, loading and access areas, located below grade not counted except for
habitable space.
level.
4. Elevated public walkways/sky-bridges, connecting two
(2) areas that are permanently accessible to the public.
5. Covered rooftop terraces and rooftop equipment
enclosures that cover up to a maximum of 25% of the
rooftop area.
6. Uncovered rooftop terraces and rooftop equipment
enclosures.
7. Statutory authority required spaces such as Transformer
LV/HV rooms
8. Mechanical floors, used solely for mechanical and/or
electrical services.
9. All at and above grade, un-serviced parking structures.
10. The covered area of a colonnade provided, the colonnade
is open on at least three sides.

Department of Municipalities and Transport Abu Dhabi Capital Development Code 176