RM-9A 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-9A: Multiple Dwelling is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to permit 4-storey apartments to provide a transition in residential neighbourhoods between higher building forms and ground-oriented building forms
On a typical RM-9A-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.7–2.0, a maximum height of 13.7 m (4 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-9A also lists triplex, Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, and Community Centre among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RM-9A district
The intent of this schedule is to permit 4-storey apartments to provide a transition in residential neighbourhoods between higher building forms and ground-oriented building forms
RM-9A at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.7–2.0 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 13.7 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 4 |
| Site coverage | 55% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RM-9A
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling | Apartment: FSR 2.00 on a site with at least 27.4 m frontage (s3.1.1.1(d)). Apartment height 13.7 m and 4 storeys; townhouse 10.7 m and 3 storeys. | 27.4 | 140 | 445 m² | - | 2.0 | - | 13.7 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | Apartment: FSR 1.50 on a site with at least 15.2 m frontage, or 1.75 on a corner site (s3.1.1.1(b),(c)); 2.00 at 27.4 m. Apartment height 13.7 m and 4 storeys; townhouse 10.7 m and 3 storeys. | 15.2 | 140 | 445 m² | - | 1.5 | 1.75 | 13.7 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | Apartment: FSR 0.70; 1.20 where the frontage is under 15.2 m and the Director of Planning considers the site locked in (s3.1.1.1(a)). | - | 100 | 445 m² | - | 0.7 | 1.2 | 13.7 m |
| Multiple Dwelling | Triplex: FSR 0.70, or 0.90 on a site with frontage under 12.8 m (s3.2.1.1). | - | - | 303 m² | 3 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 10.7 m |
Permitted uses in RM-9A
- 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-9A zoning FAQ
What is RM-9A zoning in Vancouver?
RM-9A (Multiple Dwelling) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to permit 4-storey apartments to provide a transition in residential neighbourhoods between higher building forms and ground-oriented building forms
What can you build on RM-9A-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RM-9A 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-9A in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RM-9A generally ranges from about 0.7 up to 2.0. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RM-9A?
RM-9A 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.
How many units are allowed in RM-9A zoning?
RM-9A 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
- 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