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RMW-2A zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts Waterfront (Low Rise)

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

PurposeLow-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)
  • Row houses or townhouses
  • Apartment buildings and multiple dwellings
  • 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; no limit if bonus density is used
Maximum density50 housing units per net acre (123.55 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 height45 feet (13.72 metres)
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; at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) if bonus density is used
Rear setback20% 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 setbackWhere the side yard does not adjoin a street: the street side yard rule less 8 feet (2.44 metres) (single detached dwellings and duplexes follow the RS-1 and RT-1 rules)
Street side setbackWhere the side yard adjoins a street: 8 feet (2.44 metres) plus 50% of the building height; at least 20 feet (6.10 metres) if bonus density is used
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
  • Site coverage counts the area within the outside walls of buildings other than parking, projected onto a horizontal plane
  • Bonus density: building height up to 45 feet (13.72 metres)

Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 6680, 2001 (consolidated as of June 8, 2026), s. 472 (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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