RT-A Zoning in New Westminster — Townhouse Residential District (RT-A)
RT-A: Townhouse Residential District (RT-A) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Townhouse developments on sites that also allow single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses.
On a typical RT-A-zoned lot you can expect up to 3 dwelling units, an FSR of about 1.2, a maximum height of 12 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.
At least three dwellings through the single-detached pathway: a single detached dwelling, a secondary suite and a detached accessory dwelling unit. A townhouse form can exceed that count on a qualifying site, governed by the 1.2 floor space ratio rather than a unit cap. This zone intent encourages land assembly.
Intent of the RT-A district
Townhouse developments on sites that also allow single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses.
RT-A at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 3 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.2 |
| Max height | 12 m |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RT-A
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Townhouse Residential District (RT-A) | 836.1 m² | 3 | 1.2 | 12 m |
Permitted uses in RT-A
- Townhouses on a qualifying site
- single detached dwelling
- secondary suite
- detached accessory dwelling unit
- home based business
- public utilities.
RT-A zoning FAQ
What is RT-A zoning in New Westminster?
RT-A (Townhouse Residential District (RT-A)) is a residential zoning district in the City of New Westminster. Townhouse developments on sites that also allow single detached dwellings, secondary suites and laneway or carriage houses.
What can you build on RT-A-zoned land in New Westminster?
Permitted uses in RT-A include Townhouses on a qualifying site, single detached dwelling, secondary suite, detached accessory dwelling unit, home based business, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RT-A in New Westminster?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RT-A is about 1.2. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RT-A?
RT-A permits a maximum building height of 12 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RT-A zoning?
At least three dwellings through the single-detached pathway: a single detached dwelling, a secondary suite and a detached accessory dwelling unit. A townhouse form can exceed that count on a qualifying site, governed by the 1.2 floor space ratio rather than a unit cap. This zone intent encourages land assembly.
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