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

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

In short

Apartment development, with an opportunity for increased density if amenity conditions are met

Zone rules

Purpose	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) Apartment buildings and multiple dwellings of not more than four storeys 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 coverage	50% of the site area for principal buildings; no limit if bonus density is used
Maximum density	70 housing units per net acre (172.97 per net hectare), or a floor space ratio of 1.6 (may increase to 1.8 if amenity conditions in S. 190.49 are met)
Maximum height	Apartment building or multiple dwelling: four storeys or 50 feet (15.24 metres), whichever is less; 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	At least 25 feet (7.62 metres) deep; at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) if bonus density is used
Rear setback	20% of the site depth, not more than 20 feet (6.10 metres) required; at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) if bonus density is used
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, not more than 20 feet (6.10 metres) required; at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) if bonus density is used
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 Bays of windows or balconies may extend up to 4 feet (1.22 metres) into yards, up to 35% of the facade width 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. 451 (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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