Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Development Related Questions

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).

Click here to see a map of the properties designated for townhouse.

What does it mean for a property to be zoned for townhouses?

If a property is zoned for townhouses, that means that townhouses are a permitted use in the property’s existing zone. If redevelopment is desired, property owner(s) can choose to combine their property with a neighbouring pre-zoned lot to meet the required minimum lot size and apply for a simplified City approvals process to construct new townhouses.

There would be no requirement for an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment or rezoning application. Projects would still require other City approvals, including a Development Permit, Works and Services Agreement and Building Permit.

Click here to see a map of the properties zoned for townhouse.

Can a lot be left behind in a townhouse development?

In New Westminster, per the Zoning Bylaw, residential developments must not create a condition where one or more sites become a “locked-in lot”. When reviewing a development application, City staff will assess requirements to determine whether a proposed project would create a condition where a lot becomes locked-in. In some cases, an exemption may apply.  

Future Program Updates

Will more work be undertaken on the Townhouse Program in the future?

Yes, the City will be monitoring the program to make refinements and provide additional details for ease of use. This includes making amendments to the Townhouse Zoning Districts and the Development Permit Area guidelines, related to site access, off-site servicing, and site area requirements for on-site solid waste, recycling and composting.

Will more properties be pre-zoned for townhouses in future?

The City will be exploring further areas in the city to pre-zone for townhouses. Further analysis will be undertaken to address concerns related to access, alternative transportation routes and servicing prior to bringing forward a proposal for further pre-zoning. 

I have a suggestion to make to the Townhouse Program. Who can I contact?

The City will be monitoring program implementation. If you have comments or suggestions, please contact the Housing and Land Use Planning team at 604-527-4532 or