RT-3 Zoning in Vancouver - Two Family Residential
RT-3: Two Family Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the retention of neighbourhood and streetscape character, particularly through the retention, renovation and restoration of existing character buildings.
On a typical RT-3-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.6–1.0, a maximum height of 10.7 m (2 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.
Alongside housing, RT-3 also lists infill, Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, and Artist Studio among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RT-3 district
The intent of this schedule is to encourage the retention of neighbourhood and streetscape character, particularly through the retention, renovation and restoration of existing character buildings.
RT-3 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.6–1.0 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 10.7 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 2 |
| Site coverage | 45% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RT-3
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Family Residential | The schedule does not set a six- or four-unit maximum or a 108 units/ha density. Multiple dwelling requires at least 510 m²; infill and conversion depend on building retention and conditional-use approval (ss.2.2, 3.1). Capacity is limited by FSR and building form. | - | - | 510 m² | - | 0.6 | 1.0 | 10.7 m |
| Two Family Residential | The schedule does not set a six- or four-unit maximum or a 108 units/ha density. Multiple dwelling requires at least 510 m²; infill and conversion depend on building retention and conditional-use approval (ss.2.2, 3.1). Capacity is limited by FSR and building form. | - | - | 418 m² | - | 0.6 | 0.95 | 10.7 m |
| Two Family Residential | Director discretion to 0.75 FSR. Lot size is too small for multiplex or infill | - | 260 m² | - | 0.6 | 0.75 | 10.7 m |
Permitted uses in RT-3
- Multiple Dwelling
- Duplex
- Infill
- Micro Dwelling
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Rooming House
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Single Detached House
- Artist Studio
- Club
- Community Centre
- Library
- Park/Playground
- Ambulance Station
- Child Day Care
- Church
- Community Care
- Group Residence
- Hospital
- School
- Social Service Centre
- Farmers' Market
- Neighbourhood Grocery Store
- Bed & Breakfast
- Short Term Rental
- Public Utility
RT-3 zoning FAQ
What is RT-3 zoning in Vancouver?
RT-3 (Two Family Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the retention of neighbourhood and streetscape character, particularly through the retention, renovation and restoration of existing character buildings.
What can you build on RT-3-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RT-3 include Multiple Dwelling, Duplex, Infill, Micro Dwelling, Mixed-Use Residential Building, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RT-3 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RT-3 generally ranges from about 0.6 up to 1.0. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RT-3?
RT-3 permits a maximum building height of 10.7 m, generally about 2 storeys. 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