R2 Zoning in Surrey — Quarter Acre Residential
R2 — Quarter Acre Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Surrey. Small-scale multi-unit housing on large lots typically 930 m2 or larger (2-6 units); lot sizes may reduce to 700-775 m2 where 15-30% public open space is set aside in the subdivision.
On a typical R2-zoned lot you can expect up to 4 dwelling units, an FSR of roughly 0.32–1.0, a hard cap of 750 m² of floor area however large the lot, a maximum height of 11 m (3 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 R2 district
Small-scale multi-unit housing on large lots typically 930 m2 or larger (2-6 units); lot sizes may reduce to 700-775 m2 where 15-30% public open space is set aside in the subdivision.
R2 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max units near frequent transit | 6 |
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.32–1.0 |
| Max height | 11 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 3 |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R2
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter Acre Residential - lot 4,050 m2+ (max 2 units) | 4050 m² | 2 | 0.32 | 9 m |
| Quarter Acre Residential - lot 1,500-4,050 m2 (up to 4-6 units) | 1500 m² | 4 | 1.0 | 11 m |
| Quarter Acre Residential - lot 280-1,500 m2 (up to 4-6 units) | 280 m² | 4 | 1.0 | 11 m |
| Quarter Acre Residential - lot under 280 m2 (up to 3 units) | — | 3 | 0.6 | 9 m |
Permitted uses in R2
- Single family dwelling
- duplex (lots 280-4050 m2)
- secondary suite
- garden suite
- coach house
- bed & breakfast
- boarders/lodgers
- short-term rental
R2 zoning FAQ
What is R2 zoning in Surrey?
R2 (Quarter Acre Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Surrey. Small-scale multi-unit housing on large lots typically 930 m2 or larger (2-6 units); lot sizes may reduce to 700-775 m2 where 15-30% public open space is set aside in the subdivision.
What can you build on R2-zoned land in Surrey?
Permitted uses in R2 include Single family dwelling, duplex (lots 280-4050 m2), secondary suite, garden suite, coach house, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for R2 in Surrey?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in R2 generally ranges from about 0.32 up to 1.0. The ratio is not the whole rule here: floor area is no more than 750 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 R2?
R2 permits a maximum building height of 11 m, generally about 3 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in R2 zoning?
R2 allows up to 4 dwelling units on an eligible lot. Within a Frequent Transit Area the figure rises to 6, which depends on the lot being close enough to a prescribed transit stop. Under the Province's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules, most standard residential lots in Surrey now permit multiple units outright. The exact number depends on lot size and whether rental tenure is secured.
Other residential zones in Surrey
- MR1 — Low Density Townhouse
- MR2 — Medium Density Townhouse
- MR3 — Rowhouse
- MR4 — High Density Townhouse
- MR5 — Stacked Townhouse
- MR6 — Low-Rise (4 Storey) Apartment
- MR6-C — Low-Rise (4 Storey) Apartment with Commercial
- MR7 — Low-Rise (5-8 Storey) Apartment
Look up a specific address in Surrey
Source: official Surrey zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026