RM-9 Zoning in Vancouver — Multiple Dwelling
RM-9 — Multiple Dwelling is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to permit a variety of multiple dwelling types including 4-storey apartments and townhouses, with emphasis on creating a variety of dwelling unit sizes, including those appropriate for families with children.
On a typical RM-9-zoned lot you can expect up to 3 dwelling units, an FSR of roughly 0.75–2.0, a maximum height of 12.2 m (4 storeys), and site coverage up to 55%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the RM-9 district
The intent of this schedule is to permit a variety of multiple dwelling types including 4-storey apartments and townhouses, with emphasis on creating a variety of dwelling unit sizes, including those appropriate for families with children.
RM-9 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 3 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.75–2.0 |
| Max height | 12.2 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 4 |
| Site coverage | 55% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RM-9
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling | 445 m² | — | 2.0 | 12.2 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | 445 m² | — | 1.5 | 12.2 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | 445 m² | — | 1.2 | 12.2 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | 303 m² | 3 | 0.9 | 10.7 m |
Permitted uses in RM-9
- Apartment
- Townhouse
- Freehold Rowhouse
- Triplex
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Community Centre
- Park/Playground
- Child Day Care
- Institutional uses
- Farmers' Market
- Neighbourhood Grocery
- Bed & Breakfast
- Short Term Rental
- Public Utility
RM-9 zoning FAQ
What is RM-9 zoning in Vancouver?
RM-9 (Multiple Dwelling) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to permit a variety of multiple dwelling types including 4-storey apartments and townhouses, with emphasis on creating a variety of dwelling unit sizes, including those appropriate for families with children.
What can you build on RM-9-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RM-9 include Apartment, Townhouse, Freehold Rowhouse, Triplex, Mixed-Use Residential Building, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RM-9 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-9 generally ranges from about 0.75 up to 2.0. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RM-9?
RM-9 permits a maximum building height of 12.2 m, generally about 4 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RM-9 zoning?
RM-9 allows up to 3 dwelling units on an eligible lot. Under the Province's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules, most standard residential lots in Vancouver now permit multiple units outright. The exact number depends on lot size and whether rental tenure is secured.
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