A rectangular lot is 100 feet wide and 150 feet deep. Required setbacks are 25 feet front, 20 feet rear and 10 feet on each side. Based only on these setback limits, what is the maximum rectangular building envelope?
Correct Answer
C) 8,400 square feet
The available width is 100 − 10 − 10 = 80 feet and depth is 150 − 25 − 20 = 105 feet. Their product is 8,400 square feet. This is the setback envelope only; coverage, height, parking or other rules may impose additional limits.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because the buildable width is 100 − 10 − 10 = 80 feet and the buildable depth is 150 − 25 − 20 = 105 feet. Multiplying gives 80 × 105 = 8,400 square feet.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 15,000 square feet
Option A, 15,000 square feet, is the full lot area: 100 × 150. It ignores all setbacks; the envelope is 80 × 105 = 8,400 square feet.
Option B: 10,500 square feet
Option B, 10,500 square feet, deducts only the front and rear setbacks: 100 × 105. Both 10-foot side setbacks must also come off the width, giving 80 × 105 = 8,400 square feet.
Option D: 12,000 square feet
Option D, 12,000 square feet, deducts only the side setbacks: 80 × 150. The front and rear setbacks reduce depth to 105 feet, giving 8,400 square feet.
Two sides, front, rear
Width loses both side yards; depth loses the front and rear yards. Multiply what remains.
How to use: Use this checklist so no setback is left out of an envelope calculation.
Exam Tip
Remember that side setbacks apply on both sides. Many wrong answers forget one dimension's deductions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Deducting only one side setback
- -Using gross lot area as the buildable area
- -Ignoring other zoning limits beyond setbacks
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests calculating a building envelope from setback requirements. Subtract both side setbacks from the width and the front and rear setbacks from the depth, then multiply. Missing any setback overstates the envelope.
Background Knowledge
Zoning regulations commonly include setback, height, coverage and density requirements. The setback envelope is the area within which a building may be placed. Other rules may limit development further, so the envelope is a maximum footprint under setbacks only.
Real-World Application
An appraiser analyzing highest and best use for a vacant lot reviews local setbacks to estimate the maximum building footprint. She then checks coverage and parking rules that may reduce it further.
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