RM-12 Zoning in Vancouver — Multiple Dwelling
RM-12 — Multiple Dwelling is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the development of 4-storey townhouses, including hybrid townhouses.
On a typical RM-12-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.9–1.7, a maximum height of 13.7 m (4 storeys), and site coverage up to 55%. The upper end of the density range is a bonus that is unlocked only where secured rental or below-market housing is provided. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the RM-12 district
The intent of this schedule is to encourage the development of 4-storey townhouses, including hybrid townhouses. 4-storey apartments are permitted on larger sites
RM-12 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.9–1.7 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 13.7 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 4 |
| Site coverage | 55% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RM-12
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling | 1000 m² | — | 1.7 | 13.7 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | 910 m² | — | 1.7 | 12.2 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | 306 m² | — | 0.9 | 10.7 m |
Permitted uses in RM-12
- Apartment
- Townhouse
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Child Day Care
- Community Centre
- Park/Playground
- Institutional uses
- Farmers' Market
- Neighbourhood Grocery
- Bed & Breakfast
- Short Term Rental
- Public Utility
RM-12 zoning FAQ
What is RM-12 zoning in Vancouver?
RM-12 (Multiple Dwelling) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the development of 4-storey townhouses, including hybrid townhouses.
What can you build on RM-12-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RM-12 include Apartment, Townhouse, Mixed-Use Residential Building, Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Child Day Care, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RM-12 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-12 generally ranges from about 0.9 up to 1.7. The higher figure is a density bonus tied to securing rental or below-market housing. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RM-12?
RM-12 permits a maximum building height of 13.7 m, generally about 4 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other residential zones in Vancouver
- FM-1 — Fraser Mile
- FSD — First Shaughnessy District
- R1-1 — Residential Inclusive (
- R3-1 — Residential Rental
- R3-2 — Residential Low-Rise Apartment (Rental)
- R3-3 — Residential Low-Rise Apartment
- R4-1 — Residential Mid-Rise Apartment
- R5-1 — Residential High-Rise Apartment
Look up a specific address in Vancouver
Source: official Vancouver zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026