RS-5 Zoning in New Westminster — Single Detached Residential Districts (Small Lots) (RS-5)
RS-5: Single Detached Residential Districts (Small Lots) (RS-5) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses on small lots.
On a typical RS-5-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 where the City OCP designates the lot Residential - Duplex (RD) or Residential - Ground Oriented Infill Housing (RGO), through one single detached dwelling, one secondary suite and one detached accessory dwelling unit. Otherwise two dwellings. This is not a three-unit multiplex entitlement.
Intent of the RS-5 district
Single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses on small lots.
RS-5 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 3 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.5 |
| Max height | 7.62 m |
| Site coverage | 35% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RS-5
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Detached Residential Districts (Small Lots) (RS-5) | 371.6 m² | 3 | 0.5 | 7.62 m |
Permitted uses in RS-5
- Single detached dwelling
- secondary suite
- conditionally a detached accessory dwelling unit
- home based business.
RS-5 zoning FAQ
What is RS-5 zoning in New Westminster?
RS-5 (Single Detached Residential Districts (Small Lots) (RS-5)) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses on small lots.
What can you build on RS-5-zoned land in New Westminster?
Permitted uses in RS-5 include Single detached dwelling, secondary suite, conditionally a detached accessory dwelling unit, home based business.. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RS-5 in New Westminster?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RS-5 is about 0.5. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RS-5?
RS-5 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-5 zoning?
Up to three dwellings where the City OCP designates the lot Residential - Duplex (RD) or Residential - Ground Oriented Infill Housing (RGO), through one single detached dwelling, one secondary suite and one detached accessory dwelling unit. Otherwise two dwellings. This is not a three-unit multiplex entitlement.
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