RT-5 Zoning in Vancouver - Two Family Residential

RT-5: Two Family Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to strongly encourage the retention and renovation of existing character houses by providing incentives such as increased floor area, additional dwelling units, and additional relaxation provisions.

On a typical RT-5-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.6–0.85, a maximum height of 10.7 m (3 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.

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, RT-5 also lists Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Community Centre, and library among its permitted uses.

Intent of the RT-5 district

The intent of this schedule is to strongly encourage the retention and renovation of existing character houses by providing incentives such as increased floor area, additional dwelling units, and additional relaxation provisions.

RT-5 at a glance

Floor space ratio (FSR)	0.6–0.85
Max height	10.7 m
Max storeys (by right)	3
Site coverage	45%
Zone category	Residential

Density tiers in RT-5

Tier	Applies to	Min frontage (m)	Units / ha	Min lot area	Max units	Base FSR	Conditional FSR	Max height
Two Family Residential	Multiple dwelling: FSR 0.60, which the Director of Planning may raise to 0.75 (s3.1.1.1); 0.85 where a character house is retained (s5.2). A duplex is 0.75 outright (s3.2.1.2(a)). Height 10.7 m and 3 storeys.	-	74	338 m²	-	0.6	0.85	10.7 m
Two Family Residential	Duplex: FSR 0.75 on a site without a character house (s3.2.1.2(a)); 0.85 for infill where a character house is retained (s5.2). Height 10.7 m and 3 storeys.	-		308 m²	2	0.75	0.85	10.7 m

Permitted uses in RT-5

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

RT-5 zoning FAQ

What is RT-5 zoning in Vancouver?

RT-5 (Two Family Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to strongly encourage the retention and renovation of existing character houses by providing incentives such as increased floor area, additional dwelling units, and additional relaxation provisions.

What can you build on RT-5-zoned land in Vancouver?

Permitted uses in RT-5 include Multiple Dwelling, Mixed-Use Residential Building, Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Community Centre, Library, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.

What is the FSR for RT-5 in Vancouver?

Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RT-5 generally ranges from about 0.6 up to 0.85. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.

How tall can a building be in RT-5?

RT-5 permits a maximum building height of 10.7 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 RT-5 zoning?

RT-5 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