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

New Westminster, British ColumbiaDraft, not yet reviewedBylaw read 2026-11-07

In short

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	30 housing units per net acre (74.13 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. 421 (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply, and a lot can have site-specific rules. The City publishes the complete bylaw as a single PDF, consolidated as of June 8, 2026; it also publishes each part separately. The saved text includes the list of amendments and appendices. Zone pages are taken from the bylaw text by a research agent and have not yet been reviewed by a person: confirm with the bylaw before you rely on them. How answers are checked.

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