A contractor is building a shopping center that requires 150 parking spaces. If the zoning ordinance requires 1 parking space per 250 square feet of retail space, what is the maximum allowable retail square footage?
Correct Answer
B) 37,500 square feet
With 150 parking spaces available and a requirement of 1 space per 250 sq ft, the maximum retail space is: 150 spaces × 250 sq ft/space = 37,500 square feet.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
This is a direct ratio calculation problem. The zoning ordinance establishes a parking requirement of 1 space per 250 square feet of retail space. With 150 parking spaces available, we multiply 150 by 250 to find the maximum allowable retail space. This gives us 37,500 square feet, which represents the maximum retail area that can be supported by the available parking.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 35,000 square feet
35,000 square feet would only require 140 parking spaces (35,000 ÷ 250 = 140), which underutilizes the available 150 spaces and doesn't represent the maximum allowable retail space.
Option C: 40,000 square feet
40,000 square feet would require 160 parking spaces (40,000 ÷ 250 = 160), which exceeds the available 150 spaces and violates the zoning ordinance.
Option D: 42,500 square feet
42,500 square feet would require 170 parking spaces (42,500 ÷ 250 = 170), which significantly exceeds the available 150 spaces and violates the zoning ordinance.
Memory Technique
Remember 'MAPS' - Maximum Area equals Parking Spaces times Square footage per space. When finding maximum allowable area, multiply the constraint (parking) by the ratio.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code, Chapter 11 - Accessibility and Chapter 4 - Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy for parking requirements
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