RM-5A Zoning in New Westminster — Multiple Dwelling Districts (Medium Rise) (RM-5A)
RM-5A: Multiple Dwelling Districts (Medium Rise) (RM-5A) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Medium-rise multi-family development.
On a typical RM-5A-zoned lot you can expect up to 3 dwelling units, an FSR of roughly 1.6–1.8, a maximum height of 13.72 m, and site coverage up to 50%. 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: 70 housing units per net acre (57.8 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-5A district
Medium-rise multi-family development.
RM-5A at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 3 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.6–1.8 |
| Max height | 13.72 m |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RM-5A
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling Districts (Medium Rise) (RM-5A) | — | 3 | 1.8 | 13.72 m |
Permitted uses in RM-5A
- Multiple dwellings
- single detached dwelling to RS-1 standards
- duplex to RT-1 standards
- home based business.
RM-5A zoning FAQ
What is RM-5A zoning in New Westminster?
RM-5A (Multiple Dwelling Districts (Medium Rise) (RM-5A)) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Medium-rise multi-family development.
What can you build on RM-5A-zoned land in New Westminster?
Permitted uses in RM-5A 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-5A in New Westminster?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-5A generally ranges from about 1.6 up to 1.8. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RM-5A?
RM-5A permits a maximum building height of 13.72 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RM-5A zoning?
Density in this district is a rate, not a per-lot ceiling: 70 housing units per net acre (57.8 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-1 — Multiple Dwelling Districts (Garden Apartments) (RM-1)
- 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)
Look up a specific address in New Westminster
Source: official New Westminster zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated September 2026