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RM-4 zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts (High Rise)

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

In short

High-rise multi-family development to a density of 70 units per acre (172.9 units per hectare), plus bonuses for underground parking and site coverage reductions

Zone rules

PurposeHigh-rise multi-family development to a density of 70 units per acre (172.9 units per hectare), plus bonuses for underground parking and site coverage reductions
Main uses
  • Single detached dwellings (to RS-1 standards)
  • Duplex dwellings (to RT-1 standards)
  • Apartment buildings and multiple dwellings of not less than four storeys developed for housing purposes
  • Public utilities
Detached accessory dwelling units are allowed only on lots designated (RD) or (RGO) in the Official Community Plan.
Also allowed (secondary uses)
  • Child care in accordance with Section 170.13
  • Home based businesses
  • Accessory buildings and uses
Maximum lot coverage40% of the site area for principal buildings
Maximum density70 units per net acre (.40 hectares), with increases for underground parking and for site coverage under 40%; floor space ratio not more than 4.0 (senior citizens housing: 1.6, with increases)
Maximum height, accessory buildings1 storey, 15 feet (4.57 metres) measured from the finished floor of the building
Front setbackAt least 25 feet (7.62 metres) deep
Rear setback20% of the site depth up to 25 feet (7.62 metres), or 20% of the building height, whichever is greater; the part of a building over 30 feet (9.14 metres) high must be set back a further 30% of that portion's height
Interior side setbackWhere the side yard does not adjoin a street: the street side yard rule less 8 feet (2.44 metres)
Street side setbackWhere the side yard adjoins a street: 8 feet (2.44 metres) plus 50% of the height of the highest principal building up to 30 feet (9.14 metres), plus 20% of the height of the portion over 30 feet (9.14 metres)
Accessory building setbacksNot 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 a building is over 40 feet (12.19 metres) high, its width above that height is limited to 15% of the site perimeter
  • Rental tenure only for dwelling units on strata plans NW2357 (211 Eleventh Street) and LMS3797 (425 Twelfth Street)

Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001 (consolidated as of June 8, 2026), s. 440 (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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