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 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.
The base density is 35 housing units per net acre. 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. The bylaw also permits an alternative FSR density pathway; the rate calculation is not an absolute dwelling-count ceiling.
Intent of the RM-1 district
Garden apartment development.
RM-1 at a glance
| 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 | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1) | - | - | 1.2 | 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?
RM-1 sets density as a rate rather than a fixed number of units per lot: The base density is 35 housing units per net acre. 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. The bylaw also permits an alternative FSR density pathway; the rate calculation is not an absolute dwelling-count ceiling. Look up your specific address for what that works out to on your lot.
Other residential zones in New Westminster
- NR-1 - Neighbourhood Single Detached Residential District (NR-1)
- NR-2 - Neighbourhood Single Detached Residential Districts (NR-2)
- NR-5 - Neighbourhood Single Detached Residential District (Small Lots) (NR-5)
- 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)
Look up a specific address in New Westminster
Source: official New Westminster zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026