Group housing feasibility: FAR, stilt & stepped massing

Start with classification and a source register

Do not classify a proposal as group housing merely because its plot exceeds a plotted-development band. Check the applicable definition, minimum site requirements and proposed use. For each control, retain the clause, inputs, exceptions and any interpretation that remains unresolved.

Keep the parking stilt separate from occupied floors

Under the supplied 2026 industrial-authority model, §3.3.4.8 allows parking stilt beyond group housing; the specific group-housing parking section refers back to it. Parking-only area is excluded from FAR but contributes to height. Ordinary height/headroom and separate stack-parking provisions need checking. This summary must not be applied to another framework by analogy.

Use one shared site allowance for several buildings

Sum the counted areas of all proposed buildings against one site FAR budget. Measure actual clear distances and review the applicable taller-building spacing rule. Setback, fire-access and park geometries are different controls; a coloured clearance band is not proof that an access route turns or reaches every required side.

Test stepped plates without assuming a tier exemption

A smaller upper plate may use residual FAR and create terraces. Show the plate dimensions, floor count and total height while retaining the required setback checks. The current prototype uses conservative whole-building height controls; it does not approve a separate lower setback for every tier.

What a paid feasibility report would still need

An architect should verify applicability, survey geometry, allotment terms, statutory restrictions and unresolved interpretations, then check access, parking and usable planning. The current tool has no professional sign-off or payment workflow. Its outputs are a starting scenario with evidence, not a sanction-ready report.

Common questions