RM-3A Zoning in Vancouver - Multiple Dwelling
RM-3A: Multiple Dwelling is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to permit residential development, including 3-storey apartments and 6-storey social housing apartments, and to encourage open space and daylight access.
On a typical RM-3A-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 1.0–3.0 and a maximum height of 10.7 m. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Alongside housing, RM-3A also lists Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Urban Farm, and club among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RM-3A district
The intent of this schedule is to permit residential development, including 3-storey apartments and 6-storey social housing apartments, and to encourage open space and daylight access.
RM-3A at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.0–3.0 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 10.7 m |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RM-3A
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling | More FSR may be added if: site coverage is below 50%; where the site area exceeds 837 m2 and the frontage of the site is at least 22.8 m; where parking spaces are provided within the outermost walls of a building or underground. Verify with bylaw for more detailed conditions. | - | 550 m² | - | 1.0 | 3.0 | 10.7 m |
Permitted uses in RM-3A
- Multiple Dwelling
- Micro Dwelling
- Mixed-Use Residential Building (incl. child day care)
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Urban Farm
- Club
- Community Centre
- Library
- Park/Playground
- Institutional uses
- Farmers' Market
- Neighbourhood Grocery
- Bed & Breakfast
- Short Term Rental
- Public Utility
RM-3A zoning FAQ
What is RM-3A zoning in Vancouver?
RM-3A (Multiple Dwelling) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to permit residential development, including 3-storey apartments and 6-storey social housing apartments, and to encourage open space and daylight access.
What can you build on RM-3A-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RM-3A include Multiple Dwelling, Micro Dwelling, Mixed-Use Residential Building (incl. child day care), Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Urban Farm, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RM-3A in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-3A generally ranges from about 1.0 up to 3.0. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RM-3A?
RM-3A permits a maximum building height of 10.7 m. 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 Low-Rise Apartment
- 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 October 2026