RM-5 Zoning in Vancouver - Multiple Dwelling
RM-5: Multiple Dwelling is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to enable a variety of forms of residential development in the West End, including tower forms and infill townhouses, while also permitting compatible retail, office, service and institutional uses
On a typical RM-5-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 1.0–1.5, a maximum height of 18.3 m, and site coverage up to 50%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Alongside housing, RM-5 also lists Community Centre, park/Playground, and Child Day Care among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RM-5 district
The intent of this schedule is to enable a variety of forms of residential development in the West End, including tower forms and infill townhouses, while also permitting compatible retail, office, service and institutional uses
RM-5 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.0–1.5 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 18.3 m |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RM-5
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling | Up to Director of Planning or Development Permit Board | - | - | - | 1.0 | 1.5 | 18.3 m |
Permitted uses in RM-5
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Community Centre
- Park/Playground
- Child Day Care
- Institutional uses
- Retail uses
- Office uses
- Service uses
- Public Utility
RM-5 zoning FAQ
What is RM-5 zoning in Vancouver?
RM-5 (Multiple Dwelling) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to enable a variety of forms of residential development in the West End, including tower forms and infill townhouses, while also permitting compatible retail, office, service and institutional uses
What can you build on RM-5-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RM-5 include Mixed-Use Residential Building, Community Centre, Park/Playground, Child Day Care, Institutional uses, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RM-5 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-5 generally ranges from about 1.0 up to 1.5. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RM-5?
RM-5 permits a maximum building height of 18.3 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