Edmonton’s RS Zone

In Edmonton, the RS (Residential Small Scale) zone is the most widely applied zone across mature and established neighbourhoods and arguably the most interacted-with by infill developers.

As part of a bold move toward gentle density and walkable urbanism, Edmonton City Council approved zoning changes in 2024 allowing up to 8 dwellings per RS lot, or 10 dwellings on corner lots, without a rezoning application.

But by mid-2025, City officials proposed reversing course, suggesting that the 8-unit maximum was leading to undesirable built forms and over-densifying neighbourhoods historically dominated by single detached homes. A reduction to 6 units per lot was floated.

The proposal triggered swift backlash from the infill development community. Many had already adjusted their underwriting, design strategies, and acquisition models to reflect the 8-unit cap. The push for higher density wasn’t arbitrary, it supports Edmonton’s larger ambition to double its population over the next 15 years through infill, especially around its six major nodes and corridors.

After a month of consultation and four days of public hearings, City Council voted to hold firm, reaffirming the 8-unit limit for standard RS lots and 10 on corners. A win for predictability, affordability, and smart growth.