RDA Zoning in Richmond — Arterial Road Two-Unit Dwellings (RDA)
RDA — Arterial Road Two-Unit Dwellings (RDA) 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 RDA-zoned lot you can expect up to 6 dwelling units, an FSR of about 0.6, a hard cap of 334.5 m² of floor area however large the lot, a maximum height of 9 m (2 storeys), and site coverage up to 45%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the RDA district
The zone provides for two-unit housing fronting an arterial road, together with compatible uses
RDA at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 6 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.6 |
| Max height | 9 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 2 |
| Site coverage | 45% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RDA
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arterial Road Two-Unit Dwellings (RDA) | — | 4 | 0.6 | 9 m |
| Arterial Road Two-Unit Dwellings (RDA) | 280.01 m² | 6 | 0.6 | 9 m |
Permitted uses in RDA
- Two-unit housing
- single detached housing
- secondary suite
- home business
- comunity care facility
- boarding and lodging
RDA zoning FAQ
What is RDA zoning in Richmond?
RDA (Arterial Road Two-Unit Dwellings (RDA)) 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 RDA-zoned land in Richmond?
Permitted uses in RDA 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 RDA in Richmond?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RDA is about 0.6. The ratio is not the whole rule here: floor area is no more than 334.5 m², so on many lots the absolute figure governs rather than the ratio. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RDA?
RDA permits a maximum building height of 9 m, generally about 2 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RDA zoning?
RDA 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