RT-1 Zoning in Vancouver - Two Family Residential
RT-1: Two Family Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is primarily to permit side-by-side duplexes.
On a typical RT-1-zoned lot you can expect up to 2 dwelling units, an FSR of about 0.6, a maximum height of 6.1 m (1 storeys), and site coverage up to 45%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
What sets the unit count here is lot size: a lot of at least 445 m² allows 1 unit and a lot of at least 780 m² allows 2 units.
Alongside housing, RT-1 also lists Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Urban Farm - Class A, and Community Centre among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RT-1 district
The intent of this schedule is primarily to permit side-by-side duplexes.
RT-1 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 2 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.6 |
| Max height | 6.1 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 1 |
| Site coverage | 45% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RT-1
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Family Residential | Single storey only. Min site 780m2 for duplex. Multiple Conversion Dwelling is Conditional | 15 | 780 m² | 2 | 0.6 | - | 6.1 m | |
| Two Family Residential | Single storey only. Min site 780m2 for duplex. Multiple Conversion Dwelling is Conditional | 10 | 445 m² | 1 | 0.6 | - | 6.1 m |
Permitted uses in RT-1
- Mixed-Use Residential Building (neighbourhood grocery only)
- Multiple Conversion Dwelling (conditional)
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Urban Farm - Class A
- Community Centre
- Library
- Park/Playground
- Ambulance Station
- Child Day Care
- Church
- Community Care - Class B
- Group Residence
- Hospital
- School
- Social Service Centre
- Temporary Sales Office
- Farmers' Market
- Neighbourhood Grocery Store
- Public Bike Share
- Bed & Breakfast
- Short Term Rental
- Public Utility
RT-1 zoning FAQ
What is RT-1 zoning in Vancouver?
RT-1 (Two Family Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is primarily to permit side-by-side duplexes.
What can you build on RT-1-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RT-1 include Mixed-Use Residential Building (neighbourhood grocery only), Multiple Conversion Dwelling (conditional), Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Urban Farm - Class A, Community Centre, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RT-1 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RT-1 is about 0.6. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RT-1?
RT-1 permits a maximum building height of 6.1 m, generally about 1 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in RT-1 zoning?
RT-1 allows up to 2 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 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