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

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

In short

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 (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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