R1 zoning in Burnaby: what can you build?
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
On a standard lot with a rear lane, R1 allows up to 4 units on a 33 × 122 ft lot (multiplex); up to 4 units on a 50 × 122 ft lot (multiplex); up to 4 units on a 66 × 122 ft lot (multiplex). These figures come from running BuildHere’s engine on each lot size with the Burnaby rules for this zone.
Most units by lot size
| Lot (with lane) | Most units | Building form | Max floor area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 × 122 ft4,026 sq ft | Up to 4 units | Multiplex (4 units) | 4,831 sq ft |
| 50 × 122 ft6,100 sq ft | Up to 4 units | Multiplex (4 units) | 7,321 sq ft |
| 66 × 122 ft8,052 sq ft | Up to 4 units | Multiplex (4 units) | 9,663 sq ft |
Building options on a 33 × 122 ft lot
| Option | Status | Units | Max floor area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiplex (4 units) | Allowed | 4 | 4,831 sq ft |
| House, secondary suite and laneway house | Allowed | 3 | 4,295 sq ft |
| Duplex with secondary suites | Allowed | 4 | 4,831 sq ft |
| Duplex | Allowed | 2 | 4,026 sq ft |
| Single detached house with secondary suite | Allowed | 2 | 4,026 sq ft |
| Single detached house | Allowed | 1 | 4,026 sq ft |
Size limits for multiplex on a 33 × 122 ft lot
| Max floor area (FSR 1.20) | 4,831 sq ft | Burnaby R1 summary (Key regulations) |
|---|---|---|
| Max height | 32.8 ft, 3 storeys | Burnaby R1 s.1.1.5 (Front Principal Buildings, Height); Burnaby R1 s.1.1.5 (Storeys); 1.1.5.2(1) |
| Site coverage | 40% of site | Burnaby R1 s.1.1.5 (Maximum Lot Coverage, 3 to 4 units) |
| Front setback | 13.1 ft | Burnaby R1 s.1.1.5 (Street Yard, front) |
| Side setback | 3.9 ft | Burnaby R1 s.1.1.5 (Interior Side Yard); 1.1.5.3(1) |
| Rear setback | 4.9 ft | Burnaby R1 s.1.1.5 (Lane Yard) |
| Rough building footprint | up to 1,615 sq ft | Estimate, not a design |
| Parking stalls required | 3 stalls (minimum) | Burnaby R1 summary, Required parking |
Your lot will differ.
Frontage, depth, lane access, corner lots and frequent-transit areas all change the answer. Search your address for a report on the real lot in Burnaby.
Common questions
How many units can I build in R1 zoning in Burnaby?
With a rear lane and outside a frequent-transit area, R1 allows up to 4 units on a 33 × 122 ft lot (multiplex); up to 4 units on a 50 × 122 ft lot (multiplex); up to 4 units on a 66 × 122 ft lot (multiplex). Your own lot's frontage, depth and location change the result.
What is FSR?
Floor space ratio (FSR) is a building’s total floor area divided by the lot area. An FSR of 1.0 on a 4,026 sq ft lot allows about 4,026 sq ft of floor area across all storeys. Some bylaws, such as Burnaby’s R1, set no FSR at all; there BuildHere shows an effective FSR worked out from the height, setback and lot coverage limits.
Where do these R1 rules come from?
From Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026, Part 3, R1 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing District (R1-1 to R1-7), July 2026 consolidation (rules approved 2026-10-15). Preliminary screening only. Verify with the City of Burnaby.