---
title: "RMW-3 zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts Waterfront (High Rise)"
place: New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/new-westminster
zone: RMW-3
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/rmw-3/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/zoning/rmw-3.json"
---

# RMW-3 zone in New Westminster: Multiple Dwelling Districts Waterfront (High Rise)

Multi-family development next to the waterfront with a base density of 45 units per acre (111.20 units per hectare), plus bonuses

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** Multi-family development next to the waterfront with a base density of 45 units per acre (111.20 units per hectare), plus bonuses
- **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 coverage:** 40% of the site area for principal buildings
- **Maximum density:** Up to 40 housing units per net acre (.40 hectares), with increases for landscaped enclosed parking and for site coverage under 40%; the intent statement gives a base density of 45 units per acre
- **Maximum height:** 170 feet (51.82 metres)
- **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 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 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 up to 30 feet (9.14 metres), plus 20% of the height of the portion over 30 feet (9.14 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 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. 473](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Complete_Zoning_Bylaw_No._6680_2001___As_of_June_8_2026(1%29.pdf#page=275) (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/rmw-3/_