R5 Zoning in Surrey — Compact Residential
R5 — Compact Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Surrey. Small-scale multi-unit housing on compact, typically rear-lane-accessed lots 291 m2 or larger (2-6 units); former RF-9/RF-9C compact areas.
On a typical R5-zoned lot you can expect up to 4 dwelling units, a hard cap of 350 m² of floor area however large the lot, a maximum height of 11 m (3 storeys), and site coverage up to 60%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the R5 district
Small-scale multi-unit housing on compact, typically rear-lane-accessed lots 291 m2 or larger (2-6 units); former RF-9/RF-9C compact areas.
R5 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max units near frequent transit | 6 |
| Max height | 11 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 3 |
| Site coverage | 60% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R5
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Residential - lot 4,050 m2+ (max 2 units) | 4050 m² | 2 | — | 9.5 m |
| Compact Residential - lot 280-4,050 m2 (up to 4-6 units) | 280 m² | 4 | — | 11 m |
| Compact Residential - lot under 280 m2 (up to 3 units) | — | 3 | — | 9.5 m |
Permitted uses in R5
- Single family dwelling
- duplex (lots 280-4050 m2)
- secondary suite
- garden suite
- coach house
- short-term rental
R5 zoning FAQ
What is R5 zoning in Surrey?
R5 (Compact Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Surrey. Small-scale multi-unit housing on compact, typically rear-lane-accessed lots 291 m2 or larger (2-6 units); former RF-9/RF-9C compact areas.
What can you build on R5-zoned land in Surrey?
Permitted uses in R5 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.
How tall can a building be in R5?
R5 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 R5 zoning?
R5 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