National Real Estate Exam (PSI)Land Use Controls and RegulationsMedium
A developer is planning a large residential subdivision. The local zoning ordinance specifies a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet per dwelling unit. If the developer wants to build 50 dwelling units, what is the minimum total land area, in acres, required for the subdivision?
- A5 acres
- B23.00 acres
- C50 acres
- D11.48 acres
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 11.48 acres
To find the total square footage needed, multiply the number of dwelling units by the minimum lot size per unit. Then, convert the total square footage to acres by dividing by 43,560 (the number of square feet in one acre).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This calculation incorrectly assumes 10,000 sq ft is 1 acre, or divides by 50,000 instead of 43,560.
- B. This calculation might result from an incorrect conversion factor or a calculation error.
- C. This calculation incorrectly assumes 1 unit = 1 acre, or multiplies 50 by 10,000 and forgets to divide by 43,560.
Minimum Lot Size
The smallest allowable area of land on which a single dwelling or structure can be built, as specified by zoning ordinances.
- Determined by local zoning laws.
- Impacts density and development costs.
- Often expressed in square feet or acres per dwelling unit.
Memory trick: Units times size, then divide by the 'acre-number' for the final land clue.