RT-9 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
RT-9: Multiple Dwelling is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to enable a variety of small-scale housing options while retaining the single lot character of the area
On a typical RT-9-zoned lot you can expect up to 8 dwelling units, an FSR of about 1.0, and a maximum height of 11.5 m (3 storeys). Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
The unit count here depends on which tier your lot falls in: FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling (s3.1.1.1). 7 or 8 units need a 557 m² site and 100% secured rental tenure; any other tenure caps at 6 units (s3.1.1.2). No site coverage limit under s3.1. allows 8 units, FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling at any site area (s3.1.1.1). 4 to 6 units need a 280 m² site; 7 or 8 need 557 m² and 100% secured rental tenure. No site coverage limit under s3.1. allows 6 units, FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling (s3.1.1.1). 4 to 6 units need a 280 m² site; 7 or 8 need 557 m² and 100% secured rental tenure. No site coverage limit under s3.1. allows 6 units, and FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling (s3.1.1.1). 3 units need no minimum site area, but the site may not exceed 463 m². allows 3 units.
Alongside housing, RT-9 also lists Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Community Centre, and library among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RT-9 district
The intent of this schedule is to enable a variety of small-scale housing options while retaining the single lot character of the area
RT-9 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 8 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.0 |
| Max height | 11.5 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 3 |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RT-9
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Dwelling | FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling (s3.1.1.1). 7 or 8 units need a 557 m² site and 100% secured rental tenure; any other tenure caps at 6 units (s3.1.1.2). No site coverage limit under s3.1. | - | 557 m² | 8 | 1.0 | - | 11.5 m | |
| Multiple Dwelling | FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling at any site area (s3.1.1.1). 4 to 6 units need a 280 m² site; 7 or 8 need 557 m² and 100% secured rental tenure. No site coverage limit under s3.1. | - | 317 m² | 6 | 1.0 | - | 11.5 m | |
| Multiple Dwelling | FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling (s3.1.1.1). 4 to 6 units need a 280 m² site; 7 or 8 need 557 m² and 100% secured rental tenure. No site coverage limit under s3.1. | - | 280 m² | 6 | 1.0 | - | 11.5 m | |
| Multiple Dwelling | FSR 1.00 for multiple dwelling (s3.1.1.1). 3 units need no minimum site area, but the site may not exceed 463 m². | - | - | 3 | 1.0 | - | 11.5 m |
Permitted uses in RT-9
- 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-9 zoning FAQ
What is RT-9 zoning in Vancouver?
RT-9 (Multiple Dwelling) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to enable a variety of small-scale housing options while retaining the single lot character of the area
What can you build on RT-9-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RT-9 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-9 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RT-9 is about 1.0. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RT-9?
RT-9 permits a maximum building height of 11.5 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-9 zoning?
RT-9 allows up to 8 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