RS5-A Zoning in Abbotsford — Residential (RS5-A)
RS5-A — Residential (RS5-A) is a residential zoning district in the City of Abbotsford. Single detached dwellings on standard lots without secondary suites or lane access.
On a typical RS5-A-zoned lot you can expect up to 1 dwelling unit, an FSR of about 0.65, a maximum height of 9.5 m (3 storeys), and site coverage up to 45%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the RS5-A district
Single detached dwellings on standard lots without secondary suites or lane access.
RS5-A at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 1 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.65 |
| Max height | 9.5 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 3 |
| Site coverage | 45% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RS5-A
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential (RS5-A) | — | 1 | 0.65 | 9.5 m |
Permitted uses in RS5-A
- Single detached dwelling
- residential care
- boarding house
RS5-A zoning FAQ
What is RS5-A zoning in Abbotsford?
RS5-A (Residential (RS5-A)) is a residential zoning district in the City of Abbotsford. Single detached dwellings on standard lots without secondary suites or lane access.
What can you build on RS5-A-zoned land in Abbotsford?
Permitted uses in RS5-A include Single detached dwelling, residential care, boarding house. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RS5-A in Abbotsford?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RS5-A is about 0.65. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RS5-A?
RS5-A permits a maximum building height of 9.5 m, generally about 3 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RS5-A zoning?
RS5-A allows up to 1 dwelling unit on an eligible lot. Under the Province's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules, most standard residential lots in Abbotsford now permit multiple units outright. The exact number depends on lot size and whether rental tenure is secured.
Other residential zones in Abbotsford
- CR — Country Residential (CR)
- RCH — Coach House Residential (RCH)
- RCS — Residential Corner Store (RCS)
- RH1 — Manufactured Home Park (RH1)
- RHR — High Rise Apartment (RHR)
- RM16 — Low Density Townhouse (RM16)
- RM30 — Low Density Townhouse (RM30)
- RM45 — Medium Density Townhouse (RM45)
Look up a specific address in Abbotsford
Source: official Abbotsford zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026