---
title: "RM-1 zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments)"
place: New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/new-westminster
zone: RM-1
bylaw: Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001 (consolidated as of June 8, 2026)
bylaw_read: 2026-11-07
review: draft
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/zoning/rm-1/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/zoning/rm-1.json"
---

# RM-1 zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments)

Low-rise apartment development, with an opportunity for increased density if amenity conditions are met

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** Low-rise apartment development, with an opportunity for increased density if amenity conditions are met
- **Main uses:** Single detached dwellings (to RS-1 standards); Duplex dwellings (to RT-1 standards); Duplexes, row houses, or townhouses excluding lodging or boarding houses; Apartment buildings; Public utilities (Detached accessory dwelling units are allowed only on lots designated (RD) or (RGO) in the Official Community Plan.)
- **Also allowed (secondary uses):** Home based businesses; Keeping of not more than two boarders or lodgers, or more than four foster children or seven child care children, within a dwelling unit; Accessory buildings and uses
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 40% of the site area for principal buildings; no limit if bonus density is used
- **Maximum density:** 35 housing units per net acre (86.49 per net hectare), or a floor space ratio of 1.2 (may increase to 1.8 if amenity conditions in S. 190.49 are met)
- **Maximum height:** 25 feet (7.62 metres) and two storeys; 45 feet (13.72 metres) if bonus density is used
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 1 storey, 15 feet (4.57 metres) measured from the finished floor of the building
- **Front setback:** 20% of the site depth, not more than 25 feet (7.62 metres) required; at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) if bonus density is used
- **Rear setback:** 20% of the site depth, not more than 25 feet (7.62 metres) required; at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) if bonus density is used
- **Interior side setback:** On each side, 50% of the building height (single detached dwellings and duplexes follow the RS-1 and RT-1 rules)
- **Street side setback:** If bonus density is used: side yard next to a street at least 20 feet (6.10 metres)
- **Accessory building setbacks:** Not in the required front yard; at least 5 feet (1.52 metres) from the rear or side site line
- **Other rules:** Usable open space of at least 10% of the gross residential floor area; Accessory buildings: no more than 10% of the site area; Where there is more than one principal building, the distance between buildings must be at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) plus 20% of their combined heights; Bonus density: building height up to 45 feet (13.72 metres), front and rear yards at least 20 feet (6.10 metres)

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001 (consolidated as of June 8, 2026), s. 420](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Complete_Zoning_Bylaw_No._6680_2001___As_of_June_8_2026(1%29.pdf#page=228) (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply. All zones in New Westminster: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/zoning/index.json

_Draft: taken from the bylaw text by a research agent and not yet reviewed by a person. Gov Handbook is an independent guide. Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/zoning/rm-1/_