Key changes to Richmond's residential zoning rules, newest first. The City created citywide small-scale multi-unit housing zones in 2024 and clarified their rules in 2025.
Richmond adopted Bylaw 10716 on December 8, 2025. It revised the definition of a principal dwelling unit and clarified interior and exterior side-yard rules for small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) and one- or two-unit development.
For SSMUH proposals, the revised provisions set interior side yards by lot width and specify an exterior side yard. A secondary suite is not itself a principal dwelling unit. These clarifications affect how a design is measured, but do not establish that a specific lot can fit a particular building.
On June 24, 2024, Richmond adopted Bylaw 10573 to create four small-scale multi-unit housing districts and amend the bylaw to meet Bill 44. The citywide pre-zoning moved affected properties from former single-family and duplex districts into RSM/S, RSM/M, RSM/L or RSM/XL according to the City's zoning map and lot context.
The amendment allows qualifying residential projects to use the new district rules while retaining the option of a single-family dwelling, with or without a secondary suite. Eligibility and the permitted building form depend on the site's zone and conditions; the unit count alone does not promise a fourplex or other form.
We compare the municipality's consolidated zoning bylaw and its published updates against our stored copies. Each entry links to the municipality's published record. This timeline highlights selected residential changes; use the official bylaw and amendment records to confirm the rules for your lot.
Frequently asked questions
What changed for Richmond residential zoning?
Bylaw 10573 introduced four small-scale multi-unit housing districts citywide in June 2024. Bylaw 10716 later clarified the principal dwelling unit definition and side-yard provisions for these districts.
Does an RSM zone mean I can build a fourplex?
An RSM zone sets the applicable small-scale housing rules, but the lot's size, width, shape, permitted forms, setbacks and other conditions still matter. A unit allowance is not a guarantee that a fourplex fits or will be approved. Confirm with the City of Richmond.
How do I look up my Richmond zone and schedule?
Find the property in Richmond's official mapping tools and identify its current zone. Then use the matching section of Zoning Bylaw 8500, including the amendments and site conditions that apply to the property.
How does ZoneScout track Richmond zoning changes?
We review Richmond's official bylaw amendments and municipal zoning information, then compare them with this page and our zoning data. This page tracks published changes; check with the City of Richmond to confirm the current rules for a proposal.
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