R8 Zoning in Burnaby - High-Rise Apartment 2
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
R8: High-Rise Apartment 2 is a residential zoning district in the City of Burnaby. The intent of this district is to provide for high-rise residential buildings of up to 40 storeys, typically in the form of apartment towers with podiums that support ground-oriented residential and commercial uses.
Alongside housing, R8 also lists dormitory, Emergency Shelter, and Live-Work Units among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R8 district
The intent of this district is to provide for high-rise residential buildings of up to 40 storeys, typically in the form of apartment towers with podiums that support ground-oriented residential and commercial uses.
R8 at a glance
| Max storeys (by right) | 40 |
|---|---|
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R8
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Rise Apartment 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
Permitted uses in R8
- Multiple Family Dwellings
- Dormitory
- Emergency Shelter
- Live-Work Units
- Supportive Housing (Cat A & B)
- All CM1 principal and secondary uses (secondary)
- Boarding Use
- Home Occupation
- Multi-Family Flex-Units
- Short-Term Rental
- Accessory Buildings/Structures
R8 zoning FAQ
What is R8 zoning in Burnaby?
R8 (High-Rise Apartment 2) is a residential zoning district in the City of Burnaby. The intent of this district is to provide for high-rise residential buildings of up to 40 storeys, typically in the form of apartment towers with podiums that support ground-oriented residential and commercial uses.
What can you build on R8-zoned land in Burnaby?
Permitted uses in R8 include Multiple Family Dwellings, Dormitory, Emergency Shelter, Live-Work Units, Supportive Housing (Cat A & B), among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
How tall can a building be in R8?
R8 permits a maximum of 40 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)
- R2 - Townhouse District
- 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
Look up a specific address in Burnaby
Source: official Burnaby zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026