RT-8 Zoning in Vancouver - Two Family Residential
RT-8: Two Family Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the retention and renovation of existing buildings that maintain an architectural style and building form consistent with the historical character of the area
On a typical RT-8-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.5–0.75, 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.
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-8 also lists Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Community Centre, and library among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RT-8 district
The intent of this schedule is to encourage the retention and renovation of existing buildings that maintain an architectural style and building form consistent with the historical character of the area
RT-8 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.5–0.75 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 10.7 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 2 |
| Site coverage | 45% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RT-8
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Family Residential | 0.75 FSR can be achieve for single detached house, single detached house with secondary suite, duplex, infill, multiple conversion dwelling, multiple dwelling and seniors supportive or independent living housing | - | 62 | 306 m² | - | 0.5 | 0.75 | 10.7 m |
Permitted uses in RT-8
- 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-8 zoning FAQ
What is RT-8 zoning in Vancouver?
RT-8 (Two Family Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to encourage the retention and renovation of existing buildings that maintain an architectural style and building form consistent with the historical character of the area
What can you build on RT-8-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RT-8 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-8 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RT-8 generally ranges from about 0.5 up to 0.75. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RT-8?
RT-8 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.
How many units are allowed in RT-8 zoning?
RT-8 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