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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:

  1. 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 below under “Making a Development Application” as well as under the Resources section of this page. 

  2. 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

A “Townhouse Guide” with information on developing townhouses in New Westminster can be found by clicking here. It outlines the planning and land use considerations that a potential applicant should consider.

  • Click here to view the Zoning Bylaw, Section 100 amendments

  • Click here to view Townhouse Residential District (RT-A) in Section 405, and Townhouse Residential District (RT-B) in Section 406.

  • Click here to view the Townhouse Development Permit Guidelines.

Townhouse projects are expected to be zoned to RT-A or RT-B, or may apply for a Heritage Revitalization Agreement.