RAL1 Zoning in Richmond — Low Density Low Rise Apartments (RAL1)
RAL1 — Low Density Low Rise Apartments (RAL1) is a residential zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone provides for 3 to 4 storey apartments outside the City Centre, plus compatible uses.
On a typical RAL1-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.8–1.0, a maximum height of 12 m (4 storeys), and site coverage up to 40%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the RAL1 district
The zone provides for 3 to 4 storey apartments outside the City Centre, plus compatible uses. The zone is divided into 2 sub-zones, RAL1 and RAL2
RAL1 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.8–1.0 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 12 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 4 |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RAL1
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Density Low Rise Apartments (RAL1) | — | — | 1.0 | 12 m |
Permitted uses in RAL1
- townhomes
- apartment
- congregate housing childcare
- live/work dwelling
- boarding and lodging
- community care facility
- home business
RAL1 zoning FAQ
What is RAL1 zoning in Richmond?
RAL1 (Low Density Low Rise Apartments (RAL1)) is a residential zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone provides for 3 to 4 storey apartments outside the City Centre, plus compatible uses.
What can you build on RAL1-zoned land in Richmond?
Permitted uses in RAL1 include townhomes, apartment, congregate housing childcare, live/work dwelling, boarding and lodging, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RAL1 in Richmond?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RAL1 generally ranges from about 0.8 up to 1.0. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RAL1?
RAL1 permits a maximum building height of 12 m, generally about 4 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other residential zones in Richmond
- RAH1 — High Density Low Rise Apartments (RAH1)
- RAH2 — High Density Low Rise Apartments (RAH2)
- RAL2 — Low Density Low Rise Apartments (RAL2)
- RAM1 — Medium Density Low Rise Apartments (RAM1)
- RAM2 — Medium Density Low Rise Apartments (RAM2)
- RAM3 — Medium Density Low Rise Apartments (RAM3)
- RC1 — Compact Single Detached (RC1)
- RC2 — Compact Single Detached (RC2)
Look up a specific address in Richmond
Source: official Richmond zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026