Are floor area and lot coverage the same thing?
They measure different aspects of a proposal. Floor area concerns space counted within a building; lot coverage concerns the portion of the site counted as covered. The applicable code determines exactly what is included or excluded.
Why a single ratio is not enough
A preliminary floor-area calculation does not establish the complete design envelope. Confirm the zoning district, allowable floor area, coverage, setbacks and height for the property with the City and your design team.
What should you gather first?
Start with the property address and parcel information, a survey if available, and drawings showing existing and proposed conditions. Ask the design team to make the calculation assumptions explicit.
Turn constraints into a design brief
Once the applicable limits are understood, consider how the allowed space should be used. Prioritize the rooms, light and circulation that matter most rather than treating maximum square footage as the only goal.
Where should you verify the rules?
Use the City of Menlo Park’s Planning resources and request property-specific guidance. This introduction intentionally does not assign one FAR or coverage percentage to every residential lot.
Official resources
Check the applicable requirements directly with the City for your property and scope.