Townhouse Accelerator Program
Program Summary
Through the Townhouse Program, the City is encouraging more diverse housing options, specifically ground-oriented family friendly housing. In 2026, the City designated approximately 900 properties in the city as “Residential—Townhouse” (RT) in the Official Community Plan (OCP) and pre-zoned approximately 570 of those properties for townhouses.
Learn more about how we're encouraging new housing! The video below introduces New Westminster's Townhouse Program.
The townhouse zoning districts maintain existing zoning entitlements. This means people can stay in their homes, renovate or rebuild, or have the option to consolidate properties to build townhouses.
Map of the Residential Townhouse (RT) designated areas (PDF)
Map Of Properties Zones For Townhouse (PDF)
How It Works
What Does it Mean to be Designated?
The Official Community Plan (OCP) sets out the vision, goals, and policies for New Westminster to the year 2041. If a property has a Residential – Townhouse (RT) land use designation in the OCP, then the long-term vision for that property is to provide side-by-side or back-to-back townhouse developments which are compatible with areas of other lower density housing.
In 2026, the City designated approximately 900 properties in the city as “Residential—Townhouse” (RT) in the Official Community Plan (OCP).
Map Of The Properties Designated For Townhouse (PDF)
What Does it Mean to Be Zoned for Townhouse?
In 2026, the City pre-zoned approximately 570 properties for townhouses.
Pre-zoning is when a property is already zoned for townhouses and does not require a site-specific rezoning application to construct new units, should the property be combined with a neighbouring pre-zoned lot to meet the required minimum lot size. An application for a townhouse project would follow the process outlined below.
Property owners can choose to not sell their property and continue to reside on their property, even if the property is pre-zoned. They can also still renovate or rebuild their home.
Properties were selected for townhouse pre-zoning based on access to sufficient existing lanes, to improve access conditions. This reduces the need for driveways on busy streets, making it safer for everyone.
Map Of Properties Zoned For Townhouse (PDF)
What Does it Mean to Not Be Zoned for Townhouse?
The City will be undertaking further analysis in the future to assess the suitability for pre-zoning on sites designated by not currently zoned for townhouses. The analysis will need to address technical constraints related to transportation considerations, including road / lane dedication requirements before pre-zoning additional lots for townhouse.
Developing Townhouses
For Potential Applicants
If you own a property that is designated Residential - Townhouse (RT), the size of your property, and other zoning requirements, will be considered if you apply to redevelop your property.
If the property size and frontage are smaller than the requirements – 836.1 sq. m (9,000 sq. ft.) in area, with a minimum frontage of 20 m (65.6 ft. ) – then a lot consolidation (i.e. a land assembly of properties) will be required for townhouse development.
Depending on the zoning of the property, a townhouse development application may be processed through one of two routes:
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Townhouse Zoned Properties: Applications for properties that are zoned Townhouse Residential District (RT-A) or Townhouse Residential District (RT-B), and that meet the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw, will require a Development Permit and Building Permit. A rezoning application will not be required. The Townhouse Residential Districts zones can be found here and under the Resources section of this page.
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Other Townhouse Designated Properties: Applications for properties that are designated for Residential - Townhouse (RT) in the Official Community Plan that are not zoned for townhouses will require a rezoning application to a Townhouse Residential District to be approved by Council to proceed with townhouse development.
In both cases, a Development Permit will be required. In 2026 the City updated the Townhouse development permit area guidelines. Development permit guidelines allow municipalities to set expectations for things like building appearance from the outside, site layout, and sustainability. A Development Permit would be issued when development permit guidelines are met.
If a realtor or developer has contacted you about possible land use changes, we encourage you to verify the information with the City before making any decisions about your property.
Making a Development Application
Access the "How To Guide" (PDF) with information on developing townhouses in New Westminster. It outlines the planning and land use considerations that a potential applicant should consider.