RM-8A Zoning in Vancouver - Multiple Dwelling

Tracked amendment June 30, 2026: Density bonus payments removed: 1.00 FSR outright for multiplexes. By-law No. 14747 (enacted June 3, 2026). See Vancouver zoning changes

RM-8A: Multiple Dwelling is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the development of 3-storey townhouses and the retention of character buildings, while permitting lower intensity residential development.

On a typical RM-8A-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.9–1.2, a maximum height of 11.5 m (3 storeys), and site coverage up to 55%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.

The dwelling count depends on building form and site area. Apartment density is set by the applicable units-per-hectare tier; a triplex limit applies only to the triplex form. Check the district schedule and your specific lot.

Alongside housing, RM-8A also lists triplex, infill, and Seniors Supportive/Independent Living among its permitted uses.

Intent of the RM-8A district

The intent of this schedule is to encourage the development of 3-storey townhouses and the retention of character buildings, while permitting lower intensity residential development.

RM-8A at a glance

Floor space ratio (FSR)	0.9–1.2
Max height	11.5 m
Max storeys (by right)	3
Site coverage	55%
Zone category	Residential

Density tiers in RM-8A

Tier	Applies to	Min frontage (m)	Units / ha	Min lot area	Max units	Base FSR	Conditional FSR	Max height
Multiple Dwelling	Townhouse and mixed-use residential building: FSR 1.20 (s3.1.1.2, as amended by By-law 14747, June 2026). The 145 units/ha density applies only where FSR exceeds 0.90. At least 45% of units must be 83–112 m². On a lot on record before 2026-06-30 that is 623 m² or more with 17.1 m or more frontage, west of Ontario or Carrall St, 8% of residential floor area must be social housing or cash-in-lieu.	12.8	145	445 m²	-	1.2	-	11.5 m
Multiple Dwelling	Triplex on a site under 445 m² or with frontage under 12.8 m: FSR 0.90 (s3.3.1.1). A duplex is 0.75 (s3.4.1.1).	-		303 m²	3	0.9	-	10.7 m

Permitted uses in RM-8A

Multiple Dwelling
Mixed-Use Residential Building
Townhouse
Triplex
Infill
Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
Community Centre
Library
Park/Playground
Institutional uses
Farmers' Market
Neighbourhood Grocery
Bed & Breakfast
Short Term Rental
Public Utility

RM-8A zoning FAQ

What is RM-8A zoning in Vancouver?

RM-8A (Multiple Dwelling) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the development of 3-storey townhouses and the retention of character buildings, while permitting lower intensity residential development.

What can you build on RM-8A-zoned land in Vancouver?

Permitted uses in RM-8A include Multiple Dwelling, Mixed-Use Residential Building, Townhouse, Triplex, Infill, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.

What is the FSR for RM-8A in Vancouver?

Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-8A generally ranges from about 0.9 up to 1.2. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.

How tall can a building be in RM-8A?

RM-8A permits a maximum building height of 11.5 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 RM-8A zoning?

RM-8A sets density as a rate rather than a fixed number of units per lot: The dwelling count depends on building form and site area. Apartment density is set by the applicable units-per-hectare tier; a triplex limit applies only to the triplex form. Check the district schedule and your specific lot. Look up your specific address for what that works out to on your lot.

Other residential zones in Vancouver

Look up a specific address in Vancouver

Source: official Vancouver zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026