RS5 Zoning in West Vancouver - Single Family Dwelling Zone 5
RS5: Single Family Dwelling Zone 5 is a residential zoning district in the District of West Vancouver. Smaller single family lots, largely in Ambleside.
On a typical RS5-zoned lot you can expect up to 3 dwelling units, an FSR of about 0.3, a hard cap of 293 m² of floor area however large the lot, a maximum height of 7.62 m (2 storeys), and site coverage up to 30%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Alongside housing, RS5 also lists lodgers, animal shelter, and pet care establishment among its permitted uses.
Intent of the RS5 district
Smaller single family lots, largely in Ambleside.
RS5 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 3 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.3 |
| Max height | 7.62 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 2 |
| Site coverage | 30% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in RS5
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family Dwelling Zone 5 | 488 m² | 3 | 0.3 | - | 7.62 m |
Permitted uses in RS5
- Single family dwellings
- Secondary suites
- Detached secondary suite
- Lodgers
- Animal shelter
- Pet care establishment
- Veterinary medical clinic
RS5 zoning FAQ
What is RS5 zoning in West Vancouver?
RS5 (Single Family Dwelling Zone 5) is a residential zoning district in the District of West Vancouver. Smaller single family lots, largely in Ambleside.
What can you build on RS5-zoned land in West Vancouver?
Permitted uses in RS5 include Single family dwellings, Secondary suites, Detached secondary suite, Lodgers, Animal shelter, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for RS5 in West Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in RS5 is about 0.3. The ratio is not the whole rule here: floor area is no more than 293 m², so on many lots the absolute figure governs rather than the ratio. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in RS5?
RS5 permits a maximum building height of 7.62 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 RS5 zoning?
RS5 allows up to 3 dwelling units on an eligible lot. Under the Province's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules, most standard residential lots in West Vancouver now permit multiple units outright. The exact number depends on lot size and whether rental tenure is secured.
Other residential zones in West Vancouver
- RD1 - Duplex Dwelling Zone 1
- RD2 - Duplex Dwelling Zone 2
- RD3 - Duplex Dwelling Zone 3
- RG-1A - Ground-oriented Dwelling Zone 1A
- RG-1B - Ground-oriented Dwelling Zone 1B
- RG-2 - Ground-oriented Dwelling Zone 2
- RG-3 - Ground-oriented Dwelling Zone 3
- RM1 - Multiple Dwelling Zone 1
Look up a specific address in West Vancouver
Source: official West Vancouver zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026