RM-1 Zoning in New Westminster — Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1)
RM-1: Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Garden apartment development.
On a typical RM-1-zoned lot you can expect up to 3 dwelling units, an FSR of roughly 1.2–1.8, a maximum height of 7.62 m (2 storeys), and site coverage up to 40%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Density in this district is a rate, not a per-lot ceiling: 35 housing units per net acre (115.6 m² of site area per unit). The count shown is what that rate yields on this lot, and it is never fewer than the single-detached pathway allows. The single-detached pathway permits a house to RS-1 standards with a secondary suite, plus a detached accessory dwelling unit where the OCP designates the lot RD or RGO, and a duplex to RT-1 standards.
Intent of the RM-1 district
Garden apartment development.
RM-1 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 3 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.2–1.8 |
| Max height | 7.62 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 2 |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RM-1
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1) | — | 3 | 1.8 | 7.62 m |
Permitted uses in RM-1
- Multiple dwellings
- single detached dwelling to RS-1 standards
- duplex to RT-1 standards
- home based business.
RM-1 zoning FAQ
What is RM-1 zoning in New Westminster?
RM-1 (Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1)) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Garden apartment development.
What can you build on RM-1-zoned land in New Westminster?
Permitted uses in RM-1 include Multiple dwellings, single detached dwelling to RS-1 standards, duplex to RT-1 standards, home based business.. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RM-1 in New Westminster?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-1 generally ranges from about 1.2 up to 1.8. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RM-1?
RM-1 permits a maximum building height of 7.62 m, generally about 2 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RM-1 zoning?
Density in this district is a rate, not a per-lot ceiling: 35 housing units per net acre (115.6 m² of site area per unit). The count shown is what that rate yields on this lot, and it is never fewer than the single-detached pathway allows. The single-detached pathway permits a house to RS-1 standards with a secondary suite, plus a detached accessory dwelling unit where the OCP designates the lot RD or RGO, and a duplex to RT-1 standards.
Other residential zones in New Westminster
- RD-1 — Duplex Residential Districts (RD-1)
- RGO-A — Residential Ground-Oriented Infill District (4 Unit) (RGO-A)
- RGO-B — Residential Ground-Oriented Infill District (6 Unit) (RGO-B)
- RM-1A — Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1A)
- RM-1B — Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1B)
- RM-2 — Multiple Dwelling Districts (Low Rise) (RM-2)
- RM-2A — Multiple Dwelling Districts (Low Rise) (RM-2A)
- RM-4 — Multiple Dwelling Districts (High Rise) (RM-4)
Look up a specific address in New Westminster
Source: official New Westminster zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated September 2026