RCD Zoning in Richmond — Arterial Road Compact Two-Unit Dwellings (RCD)
RCD — Arterial Road Compact Two-Unit Dwellings (RCD) is a residential zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone provides for two-unit housing fronting an arterial road, together with compatible uses
On a typical RCD-zoned lot you can expect up to 6 dwelling units, an FSR of about 0.6, a maximum height of 9 m (2.5 storeys), and site coverage up to 50%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the RCD district
The zone provides for two-unit housing fronting an arterial road, together with compatible uses
RCD at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 6 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.6 |
| Max height | 9 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 2.5 |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RCD
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arterial Road Compact Two-Unit Dwellings (RCD) | — | 4 | 0.6 | 9 m |
| Arterial Road Compact Two-Unit Dwellings (RCD) | 280.01 m² | 6 | 0.6 | 9 m |
Permitted uses in RCD
- Two-unit housing
- single detached housing
- secondary suite
- home business
- comunity care facility
- boarding and lodging
RCD zoning FAQ
What is RCD zoning in Richmond?
RCD (Arterial Road Compact Two-Unit Dwellings (RCD)) is a residential zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone provides for two-unit housing fronting an arterial road, together with compatible uses
What can you build on RCD-zoned land in Richmond?
Permitted uses in RCD include Two-unit housing, single detached housing, secondary suite, home business, comunity care facility, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RCD in Richmond?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RCD is about 0.6. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RCD?
RCD permits a maximum building height of 9 m, generally about 2.5 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RCD zoning?
RCD allows up to 6 dwelling units on an eligible lot. Under the Province's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules, most standard residential lots in Richmond now permit multiple units outright. The exact number depends on lot size and whether rental tenure is secured.
Other residential zones in Richmond
- RAH1 — High Density Low Rise Apartments (RAH1)
- RAH2 — High Density Low Rise Apartments (RAH2)
- RAL1 — Low Density Low Rise Apartments (RAL1)
- 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)
Look up a specific address in Richmond
Source: official Richmond zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026