RS-1 Zoning in New Westminster — Single Detached Residential Districts (RS-1)

RS-1: Single Detached Residential Districts (RS-1) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses in residential neighbourhoods.

On a typical RS-1-zoned lot you can expect up to 3 dwelling units, an FSR of about 0.5, a maximum height of 7.62 m, and site coverage up to 35%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.

Up to three dwellings through one single detached dwelling, one secondary suite and one detached accessory dwelling unit. This is not a three-unit multiplex entitlement.

Intent of the RS-1 district

Single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses in residential neighbourhoods.

RS-1 at a glance

Max dwelling units3
Floor space ratio (FSR)0.5
Max height7.62 m
Site coverage35%
Zone categoryResidential

Density tiers in RS-1

TierMin lot areaMax unitsFSRMax height
Single Detached Residential Districts (RS-1)557.4 m²30.57.62 m

Permitted uses in RS-1

RS-1 zoning FAQ

What is RS-1 zoning in New Westminster?

RS-1 (Single Detached Residential Districts (RS-1)) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses in residential neighbourhoods.

What can you build on RS-1-zoned land in New Westminster?

Permitted uses in RS-1 include Single detached dwelling, secondary suite, detached accessory dwelling unit, community care facility, home based business.. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.

What is the FSR for RS-1 in New Westminster?

Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RS-1 is about 0.5. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.

How tall can a building be in RS-1?

RS-1 permits a maximum building height of 7.62 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.

How many units are allowed in RS-1 zoning?

Up to three dwellings through one single detached dwelling, one secondary suite and one detached accessory dwelling unit. This is not a three-unit multiplex entitlement.

Other residential zones in New Westminster

Look up a specific address in New Westminster

Source: official New Westminster zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated September 2026