Building Coverage Ratio (BCR)
Definition
The ratio of the building footprint area (the area of land covered by a building at ground level) to the total site area, expressed as a percentage. For example, if a building covers 400 square meters of a 1000 square meter site, the BCR would be 40%.
Purpose
Control the proportion of a site that can be covered by buildings to ensure adequate open space, proper ventilation, daylight access, and environmental sustainability. BCR is a fundamental planning control that helps prevent excessive site coverage and maintains urban livability standards.
Examples of Use
- Site planning and layout design for optimal building placement.
- Open space requirements compliance and verification.
- Stormwater management planning and permeable surface calculations.
- Urban heat island mitigation through space allocation.
- Landscape planning and green space integration.
Related Terms
Notes
BCR helps maintain environmental quality and prevent overdevelopment of sites. It is a critical metric in sustainable urban development, affecting everything from microclimate conditions to groundwater recharge. Different jurisdictions may specify maximum BCR values based on land use zones, development types, and local environmental conditions.
