RA Zoning in Surrey — Acreage Residential
RA — Acreage Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Surrey. Acreage lots typically 4,050 m2 or larger with up to 2 dwelling units; existing lots under 4,050 m2 qualify for small-scale multi-unit housing (2-6 units).
On a typical RA-zoned lot you can expect up to 4 dwelling units, an FSR of roughly 0.6–1.0, a hard cap of 465 m² of floor area however large the lot, a maximum height of 11 m (3 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 RA district
Acreage lots typically 4,050 m2 or larger with up to 2 dwelling units; existing lots under 4,050 m2 qualify for small-scale multi-unit housing (2-6 units).
RA at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max units near frequent transit | 6 |
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.6–1.0 |
| Max height | 11 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 3 |
| Site coverage | 45% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RA
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acreage Residential - lot 4,050 m2+ (max 2 units) | 4050 m² | 2 | — | 9 m |
| Acreage Residential - SSMUH 280-4,050 m2 (up to 4-6 units) | 280 m² | 4 | 1.0 | 11 m |
| Acreage Residential - lot under 280 m2 (up to 3 units) | — | 3 | 0.6 | 9 m |
Permitted uses in RA
- Single family dwelling
- duplex (lots 280-4050 m2)
- secondary suite
- garden suite
- coach house
- bed & breakfast
- boarders/lodgers
- short-term rental
- hobby kennel (>=4050 m2)
- agriculture/horticulture (>=2 ha)
RA zoning FAQ
What is RA zoning in Surrey?
RA (Acreage Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Surrey. Acreage lots typically 4,050 m2 or larger with up to 2 dwelling units; existing lots under 4,050 m2 qualify for small-scale multi-unit housing (2-6 units).
What can you build on RA-zoned land in Surrey?
Permitted uses in RA 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 RA in Surrey?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RA generally ranges from about 0.6 up to 1.0. The ratio is not the whole rule here: floor area is no more than 465 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 RA?
RA 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 RA zoning?
RA 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