R2 Zoning in Burnaby - Townhouse District
Tracked amendment July 1, 2026: Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026 (No. 14815) replaces the 1965 rules. Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026, Bylaw No. 14815. See Burnaby zoning changes
R2: Townhouse District is a residential zoning district in the City of Burnaby. The intent of this district is to provide ground-oriented residential townhouse and rowhouse forms of up to 4 storeys that can sensitively integrate with lower-density housing forms, while providing opportunities for limited neighbourhood-serving commercial uses.
Alongside housing, R2 also lists boarding, lodging, and Child Care Facilities among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R2 district
The intent of this district is to provide ground-oriented residential townhouse and rowhouse forms of up to 4 storeys that can sensitively integrate with lower-density housing forms, while providing opportunities for limited neighbourhood-serving commercial uses.
R2 at a glance
| Max storeys (by right) | 4 |
|---|---|
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R2
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Townhouse District | - | - | - | - | - |
Permitted uses in R2
- Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
- Rowhouse Dwellings
- Boarding
- Lodging
- Group Home
- Support Housing
- Child Care Facilities
- Boarding Use
- Home Occupation
- Urban Agriculture
- Accessory Buildings
- Structures Townhouse Dwelling
- Dormitory (within 800m of institution)
- Emergency Shelter
- Live-Work Units
- Supportive Housing (Cat A & B)
- Active Mobility Hub (secondary)
- Child Care Facility (secondary)
- Community Garden (secondary)
- Energy Generation (secondary)
- Personal and Business Services (secondary)
- Restaurant (secondary)
- Retail (secondary)
- Boarding Use
- Home Occupation
- Multi-Family Flex-Units
- Short-Term Rental
- Accessory Buildings/Structures
R2 zoning FAQ
What is R2 zoning in Burnaby?
R2 (Townhouse District) is a residential zoning district in the City of Burnaby. The intent of this district is to provide ground-oriented residential townhouse and rowhouse forms of up to 4 storeys that can sensitively integrate with lower-density housing forms, while providing opportunities for limited neighbourhood-serving commercial uses.
What can you build on R2-zoned land in Burnaby?
Permitted uses in R2 include Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, Rowhouse Dwellings, Boarding, Lodging, Group Home, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
How tall can a building be in R2?
R2 permits a maximum of 4 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other residential zones in Burnaby
- R1 - SSMUH – 5 to 6 Units (Frequent Transit Network Area only)
- R2r - Townhouse District – Rental
- R3 - Low-Rise Apartment 1
- R3r - Low-Rise Apartment 1 – Rental
- R4 - Low-Rise Apartment 2
- R4r - Low-Rise Apartment 2 – Rental
- R5 - Mid-Rise Apartment 1
- R6 - Mid-Rise Apartment 2
Look up a specific address in Burnaby
Source: official Burnaby zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026