RCL5 Zoning in Richmond — Residential/Limited Commercial (RCL5)
RCL5 — Residential/Limited Commercial (RCL5) is a mixed use zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone accommodates mid- to high-rise apartments within the City Centre, plus a limited amount of commercial use and compatible secondary uses.
On a typical RCL5-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 2.5–3.9, a maximum height of 47 m, and site coverage up to 90%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the RCL5 district
The zone accommodates mid- to high-rise apartments within the City Centre, plus a limited amount of commercial use and compatible secondary uses.
RCL5 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 2.5–3.9 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 47 m |
| Site coverage | 90% |
| Zone category | Mixed Use |
Density tiers in RCL5
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential/Limited Commercial (RCL5) | — | — | 3.9 | 47 m |
Permitted uses in RCL5
- child care
- congregate housing
- housing, apartment
- live/work dwelling
- animal grooming
- boarding and lodging
- broadcast studio
- community care facility, minor
- education, commercial
- government service
- health service, minor
- home-based business
- home business
- hotel
- housing, town
- library and exhibit
- manufacturing, custom indoor
- office
- park
- parking, non-accessory
- private club
- recreation, indoor
- restaurant
- retail, convenience
- retail, general
- retail, second hand
- service, business support
- service, financial
- service, household repair
- service, personal
- studio
- veterinary service
RCL5 zoning FAQ
What is RCL5 zoning in Richmond?
RCL5 (Residential/Limited Commercial (RCL5)) is a mixed use zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone accommodates mid- to high-rise apartments within the City Centre, plus a limited amount of commercial use and compatible secondary uses.
What can you build on RCL5-zoned land in Richmond?
Permitted uses in RCL5 include child care, congregate housing, housing, apartment, live/work dwelling, animal grooming, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RCL5 in Richmond?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RCL5 generally ranges from about 2.5 up to 3.9. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RCL5?
RCL5 permits a maximum building height of 47 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other mixed use zones in Richmond
- CDT1 — Downtown Commercial (CDT1)
- CDT2 — Downtown Commercial (CDT2)
- CDT3 — Downtown Commercial (CDT3)
- CN — Neighbourhood Commercial (CN)
- CS2 — Steveston Commercial (CS2)
- CS3 — Steveston Commercial (CS3)
- RCL1 — Residential/Limited Commercial (RCL1)
- RCL2 — Residential/Limited Commercial (RCL2)
Look up a specific address in Richmond
Source: official Richmond zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026