---
title: "RM-5 zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts (Medium Rise)"
place: New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/new-westminster
zone: RM-5
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-5/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/zoning/rm-5.json"
---

# RM-5 zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts (Medium Rise)

Medium-rise multi-family development to a density of 70 units per acre (172.9 units per hectare)

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** Medium-rise multi-family development to a density of 70 units per acre (172.9 units per hectare)
- **Main uses:** Single detached dwellings (to RS-1 standards); Duplex dwellings (to RT-1 standards); Apartment buildings and multiple dwellings of not more than three storeys and a basement; Public utilities (A basement used for housing may only be part of a two storey dwelling unit. 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 coverage:** 40% of the site area for principal buildings
- **Maximum density:** 70 units per net acre (.40 hectares)
- **Maximum height:** Apartment buildings and multiple dwellings: not more than three storeys and a basement
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 1 storey, 15 feet (4.57 metres) measured from the finished floor of the building
- **Front setback:** At least 25 feet (7.62 metres) deep
- **Rear setback:** 20% of the site depth, not more than 25 feet (7.62 metres) required
- **Interior side setback:** Where the side yard does not adjoin a street: the street side yard rule less 8 feet (2.44 metres)
- **Street side setback:** Where the side yard adjoins a street: 8 feet (2.44 metres) plus 50% of the height of the highest principal building
- **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 a building is over 40 feet (12.19 metres) high, its width above that height is limited to 15% of the site perimeter

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001 (consolidated as of June 8, 2026), s. 450](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Complete_Zoning_Bylaw_No._6680_2001___As_of_June_8_2026(1%29.pdf#page=247) (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-5/_