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City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 1
Section 2
Section 2
Definitions
In this by-law, unless the context otherwise requires, the term in the left column of the
table below has the meaning provided in the adjacent right column of the table below.
[Note: Individual land uses that fall within 1 of the 12 defined general land use
categories, which are in bold below, are indicated with the corresponding letter and
colour as follows:
A
Agricultural Uses
P
Parking Uses
C
Cultural and Recreational Uses
R
Retail Uses
D
Dwelling Uses
S
Service Uses
I
Institutional Uses
T
Transportation and Storage Uses
M
Manufacturing Uses
U
Utility and Communication Uses
O
Office Uses
W
Wholesale Uses
The letter and colour markers are for information purposes only and do not form part
of this by-law. Any individual land use that is included in a general land use category
and not separately defined will have the ordinary dictionary definition.]
[Note: The content in the right margin is for information purposes only and does not
form part of this by-law.]
Term
Definition
A
Accessory Building
A building:
(a) the use or intended use of which is ancillary to that of
the principal building situated on the same site, but
does not include an additional dwelling unit to a
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 2
Section 2
Term
Definition
dwelling unit already existing; or
(b) that is ancillary to the principal use being made of the
site on which such accessory use is located.
Accessory Use
A use that is:
(a) ancillary to the principal building, or use of the
principal building, situated on the same site; or
(b) ancillary to the principal use being made of the site
upon which such accessory use is located.
Affordable Housing
Share
A financial contribution in an amount per share as
specified in Schedule F: Affordable Housing and
Amenity Share Schedule of this by-law, that is paid in
exchange for a specified increase in the permitted floor
area of a development and that is to be used for the
provision of social housing.
Agricultural Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Greenhouse;
Nursery, Field Crop or Fruit Farm;
Stable;
Urban Farm - Class A;
Urban Farm - Class B.
A
Aircraft Landing Place
The use of premises or an open area of water for the
taking off or landing of aircraft where any license or permit
issued pursuant to the provisions of the Aeronautics Act
is conditional upon obtaining the approval of the City,
or where the consent of the City is required prior to the
issuance of the license or permit.
T
Amenity Share
A financial contribution in an amount per share as
specified in Schedule F: Affordable Housing and
Amenity Share Schedule of this by-law, that is paid in
exchange for a specified increase in the permitted floor
area of a development, and that is to be used towards the
conservation or provision of an amenity as specified in the
applicable district schedule regulations.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 3
Section 2
Term
Definition
Animal Clinic or
Shelter
The use of premises by a licensed veterinarian for the
medical treatment of animals, or the use of premises for
the keeping, rehabilitation or adoption of stray, abandoned
or wild animals.
S
Animal Services
The use of premises to provide grooming, walking,
training, boarding, or transportation services for dogs, cats
or other animals, but does not include an Animal Clinic or
Shelter.
S
Animal Products
Processing
The use of premises for the processing of hides, skins,
tankage, feathers, bristles, human hair or other crude,
inedible animal products, or for the tanning, curing, or
dressing of furs, hides or skins.
M
Apartment
A building containing 4 or more principal dwelling units,
all of which share at least 1 common entrance from
the exterior of the building and, for the purposes of this
by-law, a building that contains both Apartment and
Townhouse will be considered an Apartment unless
otherwise specified in a district schedule.
D
Arcade
The use of premises primarily for:
(a) machines on which games are played for
amusement or entertainment and for which a coin or
token must be inserted or a fee is charged for use; or
(b) virtual reality rooms.
C
Artist Studio
Where used without a qualifier, both an
Artist Studio - Class A and an Artist Studio - Class B.
C
Artist Studio - Class A
The use of premises for the production of dance, live
music, creative writing, painting, drawings, pottery,
sculpture, video, or moving or still photography,
none of which involves amplified sound or 1 or
more of the materials or processes specified under
Artist Studio - Class B.
C
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 4
Section 2
Term
Definition
Artist Studio - Class B
The use of premises for the production of:
(a) performing arts including drama, dance and live
music involving electronically amplified sound;
(b) moving or still photography (excluding video)
involving on-site film processing; or
(c)
paintings, drawings, pottery, or sculpture involving
the use of fibreglass, epoxy and other toxic or
hazardous materials or 1 or more of the following
processes: welding, woodworking, spray painting,
silk screening or fired ceramics.
C
Arts and Culture
Event
An event of an artistic or cultural nature, including but
not limited to visual, performing, media, literary, craft or
interdisciplinary arts, which occurs not more than 6 days
per month.
C
Auction Hall
The use of premises for the sale of goods where the
purchasers are invited to make competitive bids for the
goods offered for sale.
S
Awning
A semi-rigid or retractable framed structure that:
(a) projects from a building face;
(b) generally provides weather and shade protection;
(c)
is covered in a flexible material; and
(d) is entirely supported by the building.
B
Balcony
A platform providing useable outdoor space that:
(a) projects from a building or is recessed into a building;
(b) is only accessed from within the building;
(c)
may be covered by a roof or floor above; and
(d) is not enclosed, except for a required guard, or
where it is recessed between adjacent walls.
Barber Shop or
Beauty Salon
The use of premises for the styling, cutting or chemical
treatment of hair.
S
Also see definition
for Enclosed
Balcony
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 5
Section 2
Term
Definition
Base Surface
The hypothetical surface determined by joining the official
established building grades at all corners of the site,
except that if official established building grades cannot
be obtained through application to the City Engineer,
or if the Director of Planning determines that the official
established building grades are incompatible with grades
on adjoining sites, existing grades may be used to
determine the base surface.
Basement
A space between 2 floors, with the lower floor located less
than 1.2 m below finished grade and the floor surface
of the storey above located not more than 2.0 m above
finished grade.
Beauty and Wellness
Centre
The use of premises to improve beauty and wellness
through styling, cutting, or chemical treatment of hair and
through skin and body treatments, including pedicures,
manicures, facials, microdermabrasion, electrolysis,
waxing, laser, hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, anti-aging,
skin rejuvenation therapy, aromatherapy, stone therapy
massage and relaxation massage, but does not include
Fitness Centre.
S
Bed and Breakfast
Accommodation
The use of 1 or 2 bedrooms in a dwelling unit as
temporary accommodation where the room rate includes
breakfast provided on the premises, but does not include
Short Term Rental Accommodation.
S
Bingo Hall
The use of premises for the purpose of playing bingo
and where the operation is conducted and managed by,
and the proceeds are distributed to, 1 or more charitable
organizations, but does not include bingo where the
player is not playing the same game and responding to
the same caller as and with other players in the hall or
the use of player-oriented video lottery terminals or slot
machines.
C
Board of Variance
The Board of Variance appointed pursuant to the
provisions of section 572 of the Vancouver Charter (British
Columbia).
12m
12m
10m
Base surface
10m
10m
12m
12m
10m
Base surface
10m
10m
Diagram: Base
Surface
< 1.2m
< 2m
Basement
1st Storey
Finished grade
Diagram: Basement
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 6
Section 2
Term
Definition
Body-Rub Parlour
The use of premises for the practice of manipulating,
touching or stimulating by any means of a person's body
or part thereof but does not include:
(a) medical, therapeutic or cosmetic massage treatment
given by a person duly licensed or registered under
any statute of the Province of British Columbia
governing such activities other than the Vancouver
Charter (British Columbia); or
(b) Health Enhancement Centre.
S
Booming Ground
The use of premises or an open area of water for the
collection, sorting, booming, rafting or storage of logs.
T
Brewing or Distilling
The use of premises for the brewing or distilling of
alcoholic beverages or beverage products with
alcoholic content exceeding 1% by volume, where the use
may involve the milling of grain, rice or malt.
M
Building Envelope
Professional
A member of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia
or the Association of Professional Engineers and
Geoscientists of British Columbia.
Building Height
The vertical distance between the highest point or points
of a building and the point on the base surface, as
determined by interpolation, that is directly beneath the
highest point or points of a building, unless otherwise
specified in a district schedule.
Building Width
The distance from a side exterior wall of a principal or
accessory building, measured in a straight line to a point
directly opposite on the exterior wall of the principal or
accessory building facing the opposite side yard.
Bulk Data Storage
The use of a wholly enclosed building for the storage of
information on operating data servers.
T
Bulk Fuel Depot
The use of premises to wholesale gasoline, fuel oil,
heating oil, petroleum, propane, kerosene, coal, coke, fuel
wood, natural gas or similar fuels.
W
C
Cabaret
The use of premises for dancing by customers and where
entertainment may be provided.
S
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 7
Section 2
Term
Definition
Cannabis Store
The use of premises for the sale of cannabis, including
any products containing cannabis, for consumption off
premises, and includes a compassion club as defined in
the License By-law.
R
Canopy
A rigid, roof-like structure that:
(a) projects from a building face;
(b) generally provides weather and shade protection;
and
(c)
is entirely supported by the building.
Cardlock Fuel Station
The use of premises for the sale of motor fuels for
vehicles registered as commercial vehicles or the sale of
electricity for electric motor vehicles, where motor fuel is
dispensed by the customer who has been supplied with
a card, key or other device for the operation of the fuel
dispensing equipment and may include the retail sale of
electricity dispensed by the customer for the purpose of
charging motor vehicles.
W
Casino - Class 1
The use of premises for the purpose of playing or
operating games of chance or mixed chance and skill on
which money may be wagered and for which authority has
been given under the authority of the Gaming Control Act
(British Columbia), but does not include player-operated
video lottery terminals, slot machines, bingo halls,
pari-mutuel betting, non-player- operated video lottery
terminals, or Casino - Class 2.
C
Casino - Class 2
The use of premises for the purpose of playing or
operating games of chance or mixed chance and skill on
which money may be wagered and for which authority has
been given under the authority of the Gaming Control Act
(British Columbia), and may include player-operated video
lottery terminals or slot machines, but does not include
bingo halls, pari-mutuel betting and non-player-operated
video lottery terminals.
C
Catering
Establishment
The use of premises for the preparation of food for
consumption off premises but does not include a Retail
Store or Restaurant selling food directly to the public.
S
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 8
Section 2
Term
Definition
Cellar
A space between 2 floors, with the lower floor located
1.2 m or more below finished grade.
Character House
An existing building that, in the opinion of the Director of
Planning, has sufficient heritage character to justify its
conservation.
Chemicals or
Chemical Products
Manufacturing - Class
A
The use of premises for the manufacturing of chemicals,
plastics, paints, fertilizers, synthetic rubber, synthetic
resins or related chemical products, but does not include
Linoleum or Coated Fabrics Manufacturing or Plastic
Products Manufacturing.
M
Chemicals or
Chemical Products
Manufacturing - Class
B
The use of premises for the manufacturing of cosmetics,
toilet preparations, pharmaceuticals, medicines,
disinfectants, deodorants, soaps, cleaning compounds,
polishes, inks, adhesives, household tints or dyes, or
similar products, but does not include Chemicals or
Chemical Products Manufacturing - Class A.
M
Child Day Care
Facility
The use of premises to provide care, supervision,
social or educational training to children as defined by
the Community Care and Assisted Living Act (British
Columbia) and the Child Care Licensing Regulation made
pursuant to that Act, including but not limited to group day
care, preschool, special needs day care, out of school
care, emergency care, child minding or overnight care,
but does not include the provision of licensed care in
premises where up to 8 children are cared for.
I
Church
The use of premises for religious worship, including a
mosque, synagogue, temple, chapel or religious meeting
room.
I
City Building Inspector
The City official appointed as such by Council or the
Chief Building Official appointed as such by Council
and includes the authorized representatives of the City
Building Inspector.
Clothing
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of clothing
or garments, including leather clothing, but does not
include Plastic Products Manufacturing, Rubber Products
Manufacturing, or Shoes or Boots Manufacturing.
M
≥1.2m
Cellar
Finished grade
1st Storey
Diagram: Cellar
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 9
Section 2
Term
Definition
Club
The use of premises by a non-profit society, association
or corporation organized solely for the promotion of some
common object and that is operated for club members and
their guests only, but does not include Church, Hospital,
Social Service Centre, Community Care or Assisted
Living Facility and Group Residence, or premises used for
residential or administrative purposes
C
Community Care
or Assisted Living
Facility
Where used without a qualifier, both a Community Care or
Assisted Living Facility - Class A and a Community Care
or Assisted Living Facility - Class B.
I
Community Care
or Assisted Living
Facility - Class A
The use of premises operated as a licensed community
care facility or registered assisted living facility in
compliance with the Community Care and Assisted Living
Act (British Columbia) to provide residential care to 6 or
fewer persons not related by blood or marriage to the
licensee or, if the licensee is a corporation, to any director,
officer or member of the corporation.
I
Community Care
or Assisted Living
Facility - Class B
The use of premises operated as a licensed community
care facility or registered assisted living facility in
compliance with the Community Care and Assisted Living
Act (British Columbia) to provide residential care to 7 or
more persons not related by blood or marriage to the
licensee or, if the licensee is a corporation, to any director,
officer or member of the corporation.
I
Comprehensive
Development
A development containing any number of buildings or
uses or a combination of sites planned or developed in an
integrated fashion and requiring special regulations with
the approval of Council.
Corner Site
A site located at the intersection or junction of 2 or more
streets.
Courtyard
Configuration
2 or more multiple dwelling buildings on a site where there
is at least 1 rear building.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 10
Section 2
Term
Definition
Creative Products
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the development, prototyping,
testing and ancillary marketing of products to be produced
in a physical form, although the product does not have
to be produced on the premises, which can involve a
customized design process, and includes clothing design,
furniture design, industrial product design and similar
uses, but does not include General Office.
M
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 11
Section 2
Term
Definition
Cultural and
Recreational Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Arcade;
Artist Studio;
Artist Studio - Class A;
Artist Studio - Class B;
Arts and Culture Event;
Billiard Hall;
Bingo Hall;
Bowling Alley;
Casino - Class 1;
Casino - Class 2;
Club;
Community Centre or Neighbourhood House;
Fitness Centre;
Fitness Centre - Class 1;
Fitness Centre - Class 2;
Golf Course or Driving Range;
Hall;
Library;
Marina;
Museum or Archives;
Park or Playground;
Plaza;
Riding Ring;
Rink [Curling, Ice, Roller];
Stadium or Arena;
Swimming Pool;
Theatre;
Zoo or Botanical Garden.
C
D
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 12
Section 2
Term
Definition
Deck
A platform providing useable outdoor space that:
(a) projects from a building and is generally supported
on posts;
(b) is accessed from within the building, and may also
be accessed from grade;
(c)
generally has a surface height, at any point, greater
than 600 mm above grade; and
(d) is not enclosed, except for a required guard.
Decorative Roof
An architecturally designed roof element that enhances
the overall appearance of the building and screens and
integrates mechanical equipment without adding to the
floor area otherwise permitted.
Detoxification Centre
The use of premises for drug or alcohol detoxification or
rehabilitation.
I
Development Permit
Board
The Development Permit Board of the City established
under the provisions of the Development Permit Board
and Advisory Panel By-law.
Digital Entertainment
and Information
Communication
Technology
The use, design or development of technology to process
digital information, or deliver a broad range of digital
products and services, or both, including business
applications, data security, data storage, management
and processing, entertainment and gaming, interactive
educational, communications, e-commerce, social media,
software and mobile applications, and may include the
use of information technology and telecommunications
infrastructure, for hosting, storing and processing digital
media, information and applications.
Director of Planning
The City official appointed as such by Council and
includes the authorized representatives of the Director of
Planning.
Director of Licenses
and Inspections
The City official appointed as such by Council and
includes the authorized representatives of the Director of
Licenses and Inspections.
Double Fronting Site
A site abutting 2 parallel or approximately parallel streets.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 13
Section 2
Term
Definition
Drive-Through
Service
The use of premises where customers order and receive
services, food or other goods in their motor vehicles via
1 or more designated drive-through lanes, but does not
include uses which involve the fuelling, service, repair or
washing of vehicles.
S
Duplex
A building containing only 2 principal dwelling units, but
does not include a Multiple Conversion Dwelling.
D
Duplex with
Secondary Suite
A building containing 2 principal dwelling units, 1 of which
must contain and 1 of which may contain a Secondary
Suite, but does not include a Multiple Conversion
Dwelling.
D
Dwelling Unit
A self-contained housekeeping unit.
D
[formerly Two-
Family Dwelling]
[formerly Two-
Family Dwelling
with Secondary
Suite]
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 14
Section 2
Term
Definition
Dwelling Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Apartment;
Duplex;
Duplex with Secondary Suite;
Dwelling Unit;
Freehold Rowhouse;
Infill;
Infill Duplex;
Infill Multiple Dwelling;
Infill Single Detached House;
Laneway House;
Lock-Off Unit;
Micro Dwelling;
Mixed-Use Residential Building;
Multiple Conversion Dwelling;
Multiple Dwelling;
Principal Dwelling Unit;
Principal Dwelling Unit with Lock-Off Unit;
Residential Unit associated with and forming an
integral part of an Artist Studio;
Rooming House;
Secondary Suite;
Seniors Supportive or Independent Living Housing;
Single Detached House;
Single Detached House with Secondary Suite;
Temporary Modular Housing;
Townhouse;
Triplex.
D
E
Electric Vehicle
Charging Equipment
Equipment necessary to deliver electric vehicle charging
on a site including all conductors, connectors, devices,
apparatus, and fittings.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 15
Section 2
Term
Definition
Electrical Products
or Appliances
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing or
remanufacturing of small electrical appliances, both
electrical and non-electrical major household appliances,
lighting fixtures, table or floor lamps, radios, televisions,
small component electrical or electronic equipment,
electric wire or cable, or transmission cable, but does not
include Batteries Manufacturing and Motor Vehicle Parts
Manufacturing.
M
Enclosed Balcony
A platform enclosed on all sides to provide protection from
weather or noise that:
(a) projects from a building or is recessed into a building;
(b) is only accessed from within the building; and
(c)
is not conditioned by heat or air conditioning.
Entry, Porch and
Verandah
A platform located at an entrance to a building that:
(a) projects from the building or is recessed into the
building;
(b) is covered by a roof or floor above to provide
weather protection;
(c)
may be supported on posts;
(d) is at grade or has stairs from grade; and
(e) is open, other than with a required guard, on at least
1 side,
except for covered porches above the first storey.
Existing Grade
The elevation of the surface of the existing undisturbed
ground at any point on a site.
Exterior Side Yard
That portion of a corner site extending from the front yard
to the rear yard and lying between the side property line
adjacent to the flanking street and the closest side of the
principal building.
F
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 16
Section 2
Term
Definition
Family
Either:
(a) 1 or more individuals all related to one another by
blood, marriage or adoption; or
(b) a maximum of 3 unrelated individuals living together
as a household, and
for the purposes of this definition, 2 people living together
in a common-law relationship are deemed to be in a
marriage relationship and each of the blood relatives of
the parties to a common-law relationship are considered
to be related to the partners and to the other blood
relatives thereof.
Farmers' Market
An open air or fully or partly covered market, for the sale
directly by producers or by their representatives who are
involved in production, of: local fresh, dried or frozen fruit
and vegetables; local dried or frozen meat and seafood;
local eggs; local dairy products; local plants; local
prepared foods; local ready-to-eat foods; local artisan
crafts; or local wine, cider, beer or spirits.
R
Financial Institution
The use of premises by banks, credit unions and trust
companies.
O
Finished Grade
The elevation of the surface of the ground at any point
on the site of a completed development between the
site boundaries and the buildings, and for the purpose
of determining a basement or cellar, finished grade
means the average elevation of the surface of the ground
adjoining a building at all exterior walls of a completed
development, as determined by the City Building
Inspector.
Fitness Centre
Where used without a qualifier, both a
Fitness Centre - Class 1 and a Fitness Centre - Class 2.
C
Fitness Centre - Class
1
The use of premises, which do not exceed 200 m2 of
gross floor area, for the development, on a 1-to-1 basis
or in a group session, of physical fitness including health
centres, gymnasia, racket and ball courts, reducing
salons, yoga, pilates, weight loss, dance, self-defence,
and sports.
C
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 17
Section 2
Term
Definition
Fitness Centre - Class
2
The use of premises, which exceed 200 m2 of gross floor
area, for the development, on a 1-to-1 basis or in a group
session, of physical fitness including health centres,
gymnasia, racket and ball courts, reducing salons, yoga,
pilates, weight loss, dance, self-defence, and sports.
C
Floor Space Ratio
The figure obtained when the area of the floors of the
buildings on a site is divided by the area of the site.
Food or Beverage
Products
Manufacturing - Class
A
The use of premises for the manufacturing of animal feed
or the manufacturing of food or beverage products, but
does not include Bakery Products Manufacturing, Brewing
Or Distilling, or Dairy Products Manufacturing.
M
Food or Beverage
Products
Manufacturing - Class
B
The use of premises for the manufacturing of animal
feed or the manufacturing of food or beverage products,
where the use does not involve the milling of grain, rice
or malt, the refining of sugar, the canning of meat, fish or
poultry, the pickling of fruits or vegetables, the refining of
vegetable oil, the processing of fats, bones, hides, skins,
offal or animal products of a like nature, the use of fish, or
the use of live animals or live poultry, but does not include
Bakery Products Manufacturing, Brewing Or Distilling, or
Dairy Products Manufacturing.
M
Freehold Rowhouse
A principal dwelling unit, in a row of at least 3 side-by-
side principal dwelling units, that shares a party wall with
at least 1 of the adjoining principal dwelling units, and is
located on its own lot which abuts a street and a lane.
D
Front Yard
That part of the site lying between the ultimate front
property line and the front of the principal building,
extending across the full width of the site.
Furniture or Appliance
Store
The use of premises with a floor area greater than 500 m2
to retail household furniture, major household appliances,
or household furnishings such as carpets and draperies.
R
Furniture or Fixtures
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of furniture,
mattresses or related non-electrical fixtures such as
mirrors, curtain rods, cabinets, counters or lampshades,
but not stone, concrete or marble furniture.
M
G
50'
120'
60'
50'
120'
30'
50'
120'
1.0 FSR
(at 100%)*
1.0 FSR
(at 50%)*
1.0 FSR
(at 25%)*
Site area
Floor area
* Site area coverage %
Diagram: Floor
Space Ratio
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 18
Section 2
Term
Definition
Gasoline Station - Full
Serve
The use of premises for the retail sale of motor fuels
and lubricants that are dispensed by an attendant for
the customer and where staff are available to provide
other services such as checking tire pressure and fluid
levels, cleaning windows and doing minor repairs and
may include the retail sale of electricity dispensed by the
customer or the attendant for the purpose of charging
motor vehicles.
R
Gasoline Station -
Split Island
The use of premises for the retail sale of motor fuels
and lubricants that are dispensed by the customer, and
which includes at least 1 pump island at which all types of
gasoline and diesel fuels sold by the station are dispensed
by an attendant for the customer at all times the station
is open for business, and where staff are available to
provide other services such as checking tire pressure and
fluid levels, cleaning windows and doing minor repairs
and may include the retail sale of electricity dispensed by
the customer or the attendant for the purpose of charging
motor vehicles.
R
General Office
The use of premises for any office use, including
Digital Entertainment and Information Communication
Technology, but does not include Financial Institution,
Health Care Office, Health Enhancement Centre or
Temporary Sales Office.
O
Grade
The elevation of the surface of the ground at any point on
a site.
Grocery or Drug Store
The use of premises to retail food or drugs, including
food and drugs manufactured on the premises as an
integral part of the retail operation, but does not include
Neighbourhood Grocery Store or specialty shops such as
bakeries, butchers, delicatessens, candy shops, and ice
cream parlours that limit sales to a particular type of food.
R
Grocery Store with
Liquor Store
A Grocery Store that has an area of at least 929 m2, with a
Liquor Store located within it.
R
Groundwater
Water occurring below the surface of the ground within
voids in a rock or soil matrix.
Also see
definitions for
Existing Grade,
Finished Grade and
Official Established
Building Grade.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 19
Section 2
Term
Definition
Groundwater
Management Plan
A written plan that sets out a comprehensive approach
to the planning, design, implementation and operation of
on-site groundwater management techniques to meet the
requirements imposed on the development.
Groundwater
Management System
A system or technique for preventing the discharge of
groundwater from a site into the City collection system.
Group Residence
The use of premises operated as a facility to provide
accommodation to 6 or more persons not related by blood
or marriage to the operator of the facility or, if the operator
is a corporation, to any director, officer or member of the
corporation, where:
(a) legislation other than the Community Care and
Assisted Living Act (British Columbia) requires such
persons to reside in the facility, but does not include
a facility in a hospital;
(b) the facility provides a rehabilitation program in which
all such persons, as a condition of residence, must
participate; or
(c)
the facility provides accommodation for fewer
than 30 days, and may provide personal services,
but does not include a Hotel, Rooming House or
boarding house.
I
H
Health Care Office
The use of premises by professions in which persons
exercise skill or judgement or provide service related to
the preservation or improvement of the physical, mental,
or emotional health of individuals, or the treatment or care
of individuals who are injured, sick, disabled or infirm,
including chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, physicians,
surgeons, dental hygienists, dental technicians, denturists,
dietitians, licensed practical nurses, massage therapists,
midwives, naturopathic physicians, nurses (registered),
nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, opticians,
physical therapists, psychologists, registered psychiatric
nurses, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners,
acupuncturists, and other health care and social service
practitioners including counsellors and herbalists,
O
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 20
Section 2
Term
Definition
but does not include Beauty and Wellness Centre,
Detoxification Centre, Health Enhancement Centre,
Hospital, Laboratory, Social Service Centre, Community
Care or Assisted Living Facility, or Group Residence.
Health Enhancement
Centre
The use of premises to enhance health through
therapeutic touch techniques including shiatsu,
reflexology, bio kinesiology, hellework, polarity, reiki,
rolfing, and trager, but does not include Fitness Centre
and Beauty and Wellness Centre.
O
Hen
A domesticated female chicken that is at least 4 months
old.
Home-Based
Business
A business, trade, profession, or other occupation carried
on in a dwelling unit as an accessory use subordinate
to the principal residential use of the dwelling unit, but
does not include a business, trade, profession, or other
occupation carried on in a live-work unit or a residential
unit associated with and forming an integral part of an
artist studio.
Hotel
Premises providing temporary accommodation by way
of furnished residential units, but does not include Bed
and Breakfast Accommodation or Short Term Rental
Accommodation.
S
Housekeeping Unit
A sleeping unit containing facilities for cooking.
Hydrogeological
Study
A written review, certified by a professional engineer or
geoscientist, of the occurrence, distribution and effect of
groundwater on a proposed development site and may
include a groundwater management plan.
I
Impact Assessment
A written report that sets out any potential or realized
environmental impacts that may or will result from
infiltration or extraction of groundwater on the
development site.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 21
Section 2
Term
Definition
Impermeable
Materials
The projected area of the outside of the outermost walls
of all buildings, including carports, entries, porches and
verandahs, asphalt, concrete, brick, stone, permeable
pavers, and wood.
Infill
When used by itself without reference to any other
dwelling term, any or all of the following uses:
(a) Infill Single Detached House;
(b) Infill Duplex;
(c)
Infill Multiple Dwelling.
D
Infill Duplex
A building consisting of only 2 dwelling units on a site
already containing 1 or more existing buildings some or all
of which are retained.
D
Infill Multiple Dwelling
A building containing only 3 or more dwelling units on a
site already containing 1 or more existing buildings, some
or all of which are retained.
D
Infill Single Detached
House
A building consisting of 1 dwelling unit on a site already
containing 1 or more existing buildings, some or all of
which are retained, but does not include Laneway House.
D
Information
Communication
Technology
Manufacturing
The production of electrical, electronic or communications
equipment, including computer-enabled devices,
computer hardware, infrastructure, semiconductors, fibre
cables and telecommunications equipment.
M
[formerly Infill One-
Family Dwelling]
[formerly Infill Two-
Family Dwelling]
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 22
Section 2
Term
Definition
Institutional Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Ambulance Station;
Child Day Care Facility;
Church;
Community Care or Assisted Living Facility;
Community Care or Assisted Living Facility - Class A;
Community Care or Assisted Living Facility - Class B;
Detoxification Centre;
Group Residence;
Hospital;
Public Authority Use;
School - Elementary or Secondary;
School - University or College;
Social Service Centre.
I
J
Jewellery
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of jewellery,
metal badges, silverware, or precious metal alloys or
products, the cutting or polishing of industrial diamonds,
plating with precious metals, lapidary work, or engraving
on metals except for printing purposes.
M
Junk Yard or Shop
The use of premises for the sale of scrap or waste
materials such as rubber, tires, metal, paper, sacks, wire,
ropes, rags, machinery, or motor vehicle parts, including
associated wrecking, dismantling, recycling or processing.
W
L
Laboratory
The use of premises not providing service directly to
the public for the provision of analytical, research, or
testing services, including biotechnologies and energy
and environmental technologies, but does not include
Photofinishing or Photography Laboratory.
S
Lane
A public thoroughfare or way not more than 10.1 m in
width that affords only a secondary means of access to a
site, at the side or rear.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 23
Section 2
Term
Definition
Laneway House
A detached dwelling unit constructed in the rear yard of
a site on which is situated a Single Detached House or
Single Detached House with Secondary Suite, but does
not include Infill Single Detached House.
D
Laundromat or
Dry Cleaning
Establishment
The use of premises with a maximum floor area of 300
m2 for the laundering or cleaning of clothing, draperies or
related small household goods.
S
Laundry or Cleaning
Plant
The use of premises for the laundering, cleaning or dying
of textiles, knit goods, draperies, clothing, garments, or
related goods, but does not include Laundromat or Dry
Cleaning Establishment.
S
Leather Products
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of luggage,
handbags or small leather goods, but does not include
Animal Products Processing, Clothing Manufacturing, or
Shoes or Boots Manufacturing.
M
Linoleum or Coated
Fabrics Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of linoleum,
oil cloth, artificial leather, asphalt-felt-base floor covering,
pyroxylin or vinyl-coated fabrics or other similar coated
fabrics.
M
Liquor Store
The use of premises for the sale of beer, wine, spirits, or
other products that are intended for human consumption,
containing more than 1% alcohol by volume, for
consumption off premises.
R
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 24
Section 2
Term
Definition
Live-Work Use
The use of premises for:
(a) a dwelling unit;
(b) General Office, Health Care Office, Barber Shop or
Beauty Salon, Photofinishing or Photography Studio,
or Artist Studio - Class A; or
(c)
any use referred to in section (b) in combination with
a dwelling unit,
but does not include:
(d) any dating service, entertainment service, exotic
dancer business, social escort business, or other
similar business, as determined by the Director
of Planning in consultation with the Chief License
Inspector; or
(e) any tattooing, piercing, branding, or other similar
service, as determined by the Director of Planning
in consultation with the Vancouver Coastal Health
Authority.
Lock-Off Unit
A smaller dwelling unit within a larger principal dwelling
unit, which must have separate external access and
shared internal access, and which can be locked off from
the larger dwelling unit, but does not include a Secondary
Suite.
D
Locked-In Lots
A lot or lots that, as a result of development of any
adjoining lots, is or are unlikely to be consolidated with an
adjoining lot to increase the site size.
Lumber and
Building Materials
Establishment
The use of premises to wholesale and retail merchandise
consisting primarily of lumber, plywood, millwork, and
related building materials.
W
M
Machinery or
Equipment
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of machinery
or equipment primarily intended for industrial or
commercial use, including business or office equipment
only secondarily intended for household use, but does not
include Electrical Products or Appliances Manufacturing,
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing, or Transportation
Equipment Manufacturing.
M
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 25
Section 2
Term
Definition
Manufacturing Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Animal Products Processing;
Bakery Products Manufacturing;
Batteries Manufacturing;
Brewing or Distilling;
Chemicals or Chemical Products Manufacturing -
Class A;
Chemicals or Chemical Products Manufacturing -
Class B;
Clothing Manufacturing;
Creative Products Manufacturing;
Dairy Products Manufacturing;
Electrical Products or Appliances Manufacturing;
Food or Beverage Products Manufacturing - Class A;
Food or Beverage Products Manufacturing - Class B;
Furniture or Fixtures Manufacturing;
Ice Manufacturing;
Information Communication Technology
Manufacturing;
Jewellery Manufacturing;
Leather Products Manufacturing;
Linoleum or Coated Fabrics Manufacturing;
Machinery or Equipment Manufacturing;
Metal Products Manufacturing - Class A;
Metal Products Manufacturing - Class B;
Miscellaneous Products Manufacturing - Class A;
Miscellaneous Products Manufacturing - Class B;
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing;
Non-Metallic Mineral Products Manufacturing - Class
A;
Non-Metallic Mineral Products Manufacturing - Class
B;
Paper Manufacturing;
M
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 26
Section 2
Term
Definition
Paper Products Manufacturing;
Petroleum Products or Coal Products Manufacturing;
Plastic Products Manufacturing;
Printing or Publishing;
Pulp Manufacturing;
Rubber Manufacturing;
Rubber Products Manufacturing;
Shoes or Boots Manufacturing;
Textiles or Knit Goods Manufacturing;
Tobacco Products Manufacturing;
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing;
Vegetable Oil Manufacturing;
Wood Products Manufacturing - Class A;
Wood Products Manufacturing - Class B.
Marina
The use of premises for the mooring of pleasure craft, but
does not include repairing or building boats.
M
Marine Terminal or
Berth
The use of premises for the mooring of boats, ships, float
planes, ferries and other water vessels, but not including
pleasure craft, for the land or water trans-shipment of
goods or transfer of passengers, for the operations
of a water taxi service, piloting service, boat rental or
charter service, or for related marine services including
stevedoring, salvaging, dredging or diving.
T
Mass Timber Building
A building where the majority of structural members are
made of wood with a minimum dimension of 96 mm.
Metal Products
Manufacturing - Class
A
The use of premises for the manufacturing of metal
ingots, shapes, pigs or powders from ore or scrap, for
the alloying, extruding, casting or rolling of metals, or for
the manufacturing of metal structural shapes or metal
castings, but does not include Jewellery Manufacturing.
M
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 27
Section 2
Term
Definition
Metal Products
Manufacturing - Class
B
The use of premises for the manufacturing of boilers,
metal tanks, fabricated structural metal products,
non-electrical wire or wire products, hardware, tools,
cutlery, heating equipment or other fabricated metal
products, or for the machining, stamping, pressing,
coating, welding or smithing of metal or metal products,
but does not include Electrical Products or Appliances
Manufacturing, Machinery or Equipment Manufacturing,
Metal Products Manufacturing - Class A, Motor Vehicle
Parts Manufacturing, or Transportation Equipment
Manufacturing.
M
Mezzanine
An intermediate level between the floor and ceiling of any
room or storey, a portion of which may be enclosed, and
includes an interior balcony.
Micro Dwelling
A self-contained residential unit that measures no less
than 23.2 m2 and no more than 29.7 m2.
D
Mini-Storage
Warehouse
The use of a wholly enclosed building for the storage of
personal property in self-contained, self-storage units,
each of which units has separate and exclusive access
from either the exterior or interior of the building.
T
Miscellaneous
Products
Manufacturing - Class
A
The use of premises for the manufacturing of any product
not included in any other manufacturing uses included in
this Section 2.
M
Miscellaneous
Products
Manufacturing - Class
B
The use of premises for the manufacturing of toys, games,
bicycles, novelties, ornaments, decorations, brooms,
brushes, scientific or professional equipment, dentures
and dental supplies, eye glasses, contact lenses,
orthopaedic and other health care devices, clocks, signs,
displays, sporting goods, recreational equipment, musical
instruments, office or artists' supplies other than paper
products, marking devices, awnings, window shades,
blinds, umbrellas, notions, or wax products not involving
the manufacturing of wax.
M
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 28
Section 2
Term
Definition
Mixed-Use
Residential Building
A building containing at least 1 principal dwelling unit and
at least 1 non-dwelling use.
D
Motor Vehicle Parts
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of parts
for motor vehicles, but does not include Batteries
Manufacturing, Rubber Manufacturing, or Rubber
Products Manufacturing.
M
Motor Vehicle Repair
Shop
The use of premises for the repairing of motor vehicles or
motor vehicle parts including tires, or for the painting or
repairing of motor vehicle bodies.
S
Motor Vehicle Wash
The use of premises for the washing of motor vehicles.
S
Multiple Conversion
Dwelling
An existing building converted to contain only 2 or more
residential units, but does not include a Community Care
or Assisted Living Facility or Group Residence.
D
Multiple Dwelling
Any or all of the following:
(a) Apartment;
(b) Townhouse;
(c)
Triplex.
D
Mural
A use of land constituting a work of art or graphic
depiction of any kind which is painted, inscribed, inlaid or
otherwise placed on, affixed to, or formed as an element
of the design of an exterior wall, roof, fence, or hoarding,
but does not include a sign as defined in the Sign By-law.
N
Neighbourhood
Grocery Store
The use of premises in a residential district for the primary
purpose of selling groceries and convenience goods,
and may include selling and serving prepared food and
beverages for consumption on or off the premises, but
does not include the sale of beer, wine, spirits, or other
products that are intended for human consumption,
containing more than 1% alcohol by volume.
R
Non-Metallic
Mineral Products
Manufacturing - Class
A
The use of premises for the manufacturing of cement,
clay, concrete, gypsum, glass, stone products, clay or
concrete bricks, tiles or blocks, or other non-metallic
mineral products.
M
[formerly
referred to as
"Dwelling units in
conjunction with
{a permitted use}"
and "{A permitted
use} in conjunction
with a multiple
dwelling]
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 29
Section 2
Term
Definition
Non-Metallic
Mineral Products
Manufacturing - Class
B
The use of premises for the manufacturing of china,
crockery, porcelain products, stone or concrete furniture
or monuments, statuary, glass or glass products other
than within glassworks, or abrasives, but does not include
Non-Metallic Mineral Products Manufacturing - Class A.
M
Nursery, Field Crop or
Fruit Farm
The use of land for the growing of plants, shrubs, trees,
vegetables, field crops, berry or bush crops, or orchard
crops.
A
O
Office Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Financial Institution;
General Office;
Health Care Office;
Health Enhancement Centre;
Temporary Sales Office.
O
Official Established
Building Grade
The intended elevations of the street or lane along
the property line of the site related to City datum, as
established by the City Engineer.
P
Packaging Plant
The use of premises for the boxing, crating or related
packaging of goods or material brought specifically to the
premises for that purpose.
T
Paper Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of paper.
M
Paper Products
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of paper
products, but does not include Paper Manufacturing, Pulp
Manufacturing, Petroleum Products or Coal Products
Manufacturing, or Printing or Publishing.
M
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 30
Section 2
Term
Definition
Parking Area
An open area of land other than a street or lane, used or
intended to be used to provide space for the parking or
storage of motor vehicles, and includes parking spaces,
loading spaces, manoeuvring aisles and other areas
providing access to parking or loading spaces, but does
not include an area providing 4 or fewer spaces accessory
to a residential use and may include the retail sale of
electricity for the purpose of charging motor vehicles.
P
Parking Garage
A structure or a portion of a structure which is principally
used or intended to be used for the parking or storage of
motor vehicles, but does not include a structure providing
4 or fewer spaces accessory to a residential use and
may include the retail sale of electricity for the purpose of
charging motor vehicles.
P
Parking Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Parking Area;
Parking Garage.
P
Partial Storey
The uppermost level of a building where the floor area,
existing, proposed or as may be extended over open-
to-below space, and having a minimum ceiling height of
1.2 m, is limited to a specified proportion of the storey
immediately below.
Passive House
Building Certifier
A person internationally accredited by the Passive House
Institute in Darmstadt, Germany for the purpose of
certifying buildings as being designed in accordance with
its Passive House standards.
Patio
A platform providing useable outdoor space that:
(a) is not enclosed; and
(b) generally has a surface height, at any point, no
greater than 600 mm above finished grade.
Pawnshop
The use of premises for the retailing of goods and chattels
in pawn.
R
Partial
Storey
Partial Storey
≥1.2 m
Diagram: Partial
Storey
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 31
Section 2
Term
Definition
Permeable Materials
Materials including gravel, river rock less than 5 cm in
size, wood chips, bark mulch, wood decking with spaced
boards and other materials which, in the opinion of the
Director of Planning, have fully permeable characteristics
when placed or installed on grade with no associated
layer of impermeable material, such as plastic sheeting,
that would impede the movement of water directly to the
soil below.
Petroleum Products
or Coal Products
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of petroleum
products, coal products, tar products or derivatives,
tarpaper or asphalt roofing or siding material, and for the
recycling or re-refining of oil.
M
Photofinishing
or Photography
Laboratory
The use of premises for photofinishing or photography but
does not include Photofinishing or Photography Studio.
S
Photofinishing or
Photography Studio
The use of premises with a maximum floor area of 300 m2
for photofinishing or portrait photography.
S
Plastic Products
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of plastic
products, including plastic clothing and footwear, but
does not include Chemicals or Chemical Products
Manufacturing - Class A.
M
Plaza
An open space for use by the public, generally provided
with amenities such as seating, drinking and ornamental
fountains, weather-proofing, art, trees, and landscaping,
which may support passive or active uses and may be
publicly owned, or privately owned with a secured right-of-
access for the public.
C
Porch
See definition for Entry, Porch and Verandah.
Principal Building
A building that contains the principal use being made of
the site, but does not include Accessory Building, Infill or
Laneway House.
Principal Dwelling
Unit with Lock-Off Unit
A larger principal dwelling unit, containing a smaller
dwelling unit that must have separate external access and
shared internal access, and that can be locked off from
the larger principal dwelling unit.
D
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 32
Section 2
Term
Definition
Print Shop
The use of premises with a maximum floor area of 300 m2
for printing or lithographing.
S
Printing or Publishing
The use of premises for printing, lithographing or
silkscreen printing; for platemaking or engraving as allied
to the printing or publishing industries; for the publishing
and printing of newspapers, magazines, periodicals,
books, almanacs, maps, guidelines, pamphlets, flyers, or
similar matter; or for book binding and associated binding
operations as allied to the printing or publishing industries;
but does not include print shop.
M
Production or
Rehearsal Studio
The use of premises for the production of motion pictures,
videos, television or radio programs or sound recordings
or for the rehearsal of dance, music or drama, but does
not involve the presence of an audience and does not
include Artist Studio - Class A, Artist Studio - Class B, or
Theatre.
S
Public Bike Share
A use of premises that provides the general public with an
opportunity to rent bicycles through an automated system,
on a short-term basis for use within the city as part of a
network comprised of no fewer than 50 Public Bike Share
Stations located on separate sites on streets, and public
and private real property.
R
Public Bike Share
Station
A bicycle sharing facility where bicycles are stored and
from which the general public may rent and return bicycles
and other objects or equipment as part of a Public Bike
Share.
Pulp Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of pulp,
woodfibre, fibreboard or paperboard.
M
R
Radiocommunication
Station
The use of premises for the transmitting or receiving
of radio, television, satellite, microwave or related
communications, but not when used for domestic
purposes.
U
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 33
Section 2
Term
Definition
Railway Station or
Rail Yard
The use of premises as a depot or station for passengers
awaiting use of rail transport (non-commuter), for the
servicing, cleaning or live storage of railroad cars, engines
and other rolling stock, for the marshalling of trains, and
including related storage of goods pending transport.
T
Rear Building
An infill, a second principal building, or the rear building in
a courtyard configuration that is adjacent to the rear of the
site.
Rear Yard
That part of the site lying between the ultimate rear
property line and the rear of the principal building or rear
building, extending across the full width of the site.
Recycling Depot
The use of premises for the collection and sorting of
garbage, and the packaging of paper, newspapers,
clothing, cans, bottles and similar domestic or commercial
garbage, but does not include Animal Products
Processing, Junk Yard or Shop, or Waste Disposal
Facility.
U
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 34
Section 2
Term
Definition
Rental Housing Unit
For the purposes of section 4.3.13 of this by-law, and for
the purposes of:
(a) section 2.2.5 of the RM-2 District Schedule;
(b) section 2.2.5 of RM-3 District Schedule;
(c)
section 2.2.3 of RM-3A District Schedule;
(d) section 2.2.2 of the RM-4 District Schedule;
(e) section 2.2.5 of the RM-5, RM-5A, RM-5B, RM-5C
and RM-5D Districts Schedule;
(f)
section 2.2.7 of the RM-6 District Schedule;
(g) section 2.2.2 of the FM-1 District Schedule;
(h) section 2.2.4 of the C-2 District Schedule;
(i)
section 2.2.4 of the C-2B District Schedule;
(j)
section 2.2.5 of the C-2C District Schedule;
(k)
section 2.2.5 of the C-2C1 District Schedule;
(l)
section 2.2.5 of the R3 Districts Schedule;
(m) section 2.2.6 of the R4 District Schedule; and
(n) section 2.2.6 of the R5 Districts Schedule,
a dwelling unit, housekeeping unit, or sleeping unit on a
site that a tenant rents, or has rented, for the purpose of
living accommodation, but does not include:
(o) a unit rented by a not for profit housing cooperative
to a member of the cooperative;
(p) a unit in a Community Care or Assisted Living Facility
or Group Residence;
(q) a unit in a Hotel;
(r)
units in an equity co-op where, at the time of
rezoning application, or at the time of development
permit application for projects that do not require
rezoning, the building was operated as an equity
co-op within the last 3 years; or
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 35
Section 2
Term
Definition
(s)
units in a strata titled building where, at the time of
rezoning application, or at the time of development
permit application for projects that do not require
rezoning, the majority of the units were within the last
3 years individually owned and:
(i) for which a petition has been filed with the
Supreme Court of BC to dissolve the strata
corporation; or
(ii) for which all the strata lots within the corporation
are now under single ownership.
Repair Shop - Class A
The use of premises for the repairing of products or
goods not included in Motor Vehicle Repair Shop or
Repair Shop - Class B.
S
Repair Shop - Class B
The use of premises for the repairing of household goods,
including the repairing of jewellery, leather goods, sporting
goods, clothing, shoes, toys, bicycles, or other household
items capable of being carried to the premises by the
customer, or for the sharpening of blades, cutting of keys,
or re-upholstering or mending of household furniture.
S
Residential Rental
Accommodation
Any building or part thereof that:
(a) is being used; or
(b) having been used, has ceased to be used,
as habitable living accommodation on a landlord and
tenant basis, but does not include any building that has
been lawfully changed to any other use from such use
prior to October 26, 1989.
Residential Rental
Tenure
Any of the following:
(a) a tenancy governed by a tenancy agreement as
defined in the Residential Tenancy Act (British
Columbia) or, in the event that the Act is repealed
and not replaced, that contains the standard terms
set out in the Residential Tenancy Regulation B.C.
Reg. 477/2003;
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 36
Section 2
Term
Definition
(b) a tenancy in which the landlord is the City
of Vancouver, the Metro Vancouver Housing
Corporation, the City of Vancouver Public Housing
Corporation, the B.C. Housing Management
Commission, a non-profit society or association
incorporated under the Societies Act (British
Columbia) whose objects include the provision of
affordable rental housing, or a partnership between
any 2 or more such entities;
(c)
an occupancy between a member and a non-
profit housing co-operative incorporated under the
Cooperative Association Act (British Columbia)
whose objects include the provision of affordable
rental housing.
Residential Storage
Space
Floor area within or accessory to a dwelling unit, used
to store personal items such as recreation equipment,
tires, barbecues, suitcases, miscellaneous household
articles, and similar items, but does not include floor area
for clothes closets, linen closets, or kitchen or bathroom
cupboards.
Residential Unit
A sleeping unit, housekeeping unit or dwelling unit.
Restaurant
Where used without a qualifier, both a
Restaurant - Class 1 and a Restaurant - Class 2.
S
Restaurant - Class 1
The use of premises for the primary purpose of selling
and serving prepared food to the public during all hours
of operation, where the premises include at least 17
indoor or outdoor seats for customers consuming food
purchased on the premises, and where live entertainment,
including the use of non-amplified or amplified musical
instruments and disc jockey mixing turntables, but
excluding patron participation such as karaoke, dancing
and open microphone performing, may be available.
S
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 37
Section 2
Term
Definition
Restaurant - Class 2
The use of premises for the primary purpose of selling
and serving prepared food to the public during all hours
of operation, where the premises include at least 17
indoor or outdoor seats for customers consuming food
purchased on the premises, and where live entertainment,
including the use of non-amplified or amplified musical
instruments and disc jockey mixing turntables and
patron participation such as karaoke, dancing and open
microphone performing, may be available.
S
Restaurant - Drive-In
The use of premises for the sale of prepared food to
the public where parking is provided and customers are
encouraged to eat in their motor vehicles on the site, but
does not include drive-through service.
S
Retail
To offer to sell or rent, or to sell or rent, merchandise to
a consumer who buys or rents the merchandise as the
ultimate consumer or end user, being the last person in
the chain of distribution, for personal consumption or use
and not for further sale or rent.
Retail Store
The use of premises to retail merchandise, including
merchandise manufactured on the premises, if the total
floor area used for manufacturing does not exceed
300 m2, but which does not include any other retail
uses listed in this Section 2 or included in a lumber and
building materials establishment.
R
Retail Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Cannabis Store;
Farmers' Market;
Furniture or Appliance Store;
Gasoline Station - Full Serve;
Gasoline Station - Split Island;
Grocery or Drug Store;
Grocery Store with Liquor Store;
Liquor Store;
Neighbourhood Grocery Store;
R
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 38
Section 2
Term
Definition
Pawnshop;
Public Bike Share;
Retail Store;
Secondhand Store;
Shared E-Scooter System;
Small-Scale Pharmacy;
Vehicle Dealer.
Riding Ring
The use of a building for practising equestrian skills.
C
Roof Deck
A platform providing useable outdoor space that:
(a) is located in such a way as to form a roof over an
existing or proposed floor below;
(b) is primarily accessed from within a building;
(c)
is not covered;
(d) is not enclosed, except for a required guard, or
where it is located next to a portion of the same
building or an adjacent building; and
(e) may include a garden or planted area.
Rooming House
A building containing 3 or more sleeping units, but does
not include a Multiple Conversion Dwelling.
D
Rubber Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of rubber from
raw material or for the manufacturing of tires.
M
Rubber Products
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of rubber
products, including rubber clothing and footwear, or
for the retreading of tires, but does not include Rubber
Manufacturing.
M
S
School - Arts or
Self-Improvement
The use of premises for training or instruction other
than as included in any other use in this by-law,
including training or instruction in drama, music, art,
driving, cooking, sewing, language, or similar forms of
self-improvement.
S
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 39
Section 2
Term
Definition
School - Business
The use of premises for training or instruction in
business skills, including secretarial, teller, bookkeeping,
key punching, computer programming, business
machine operating or general sales skills, but does
not include School - Elementary or Secondary, or
School - University or College.
S
School - Vocational or
Trade
The use of premises for training or instruction in
particular vocations or trades, including barbering,
beauty culture, hairdressing, broadcasting, charm
or modelling, salesmanship in a particular vocation,
driving (commercial transport), piloting (commercial
transport), woodworking, metalworking, construction or
other trade or technical occupations or vocations, but
does not include School - Elementary or Secondary, or
School - University or College.
S
Secondary Suite
A smaller dwelling unit within a larger Single Detached
House or Duplex, which must have separate external
access and may have shared internal access, but does
not include a Lock-Off Unit.
D
Secondhand Store
The use of more than 2.5 m2 of floor area in premises for
the retailing of:
(a) used electronic equipment, including audio or video
equipment or accessories, computers, printers or fax
machines; or
(b) 2 or more of the following types of used
merchandise: bicycles, sports equipment, luggage,
jewellery, cameras, musical equipment, or tools.
R
Secured Market
Rental Housing
A development or part of a development, used only as
market rental housing, which has a covenant or housing
agreement registered against title restricting its use to
market rental housing, for the longer of 60 years or the life
of the building, or for such other term as may be agreed
upon by the City and the owner.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 40
Section 2
Term
Definition
Seniors Supportive or
Independent Living
Housing
The use of a building for residential units designed to
accommodate seniors as they age including separate
common areas for dining and socializing, and the
provision of meals, housekeeping and personal care, but
does not include a Community Care or Assisted Living
Facility or Group Residence.
D
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 41
Section 2
Term
Definition
Service Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Animal Clinic or Shelter;
Animal Services;
Auction Hall;
Barber Shop or Beauty Salon;
Beauty and Wellness Centre;
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation;
Body-Rub Parlour;
Cabaret;
Catering Establishment;
Drive-Through Service;
Funeral Home;
Hotel;
Laboratory;
Laundromat or Dry Cleaning Establishment;
Laundry or Cleaning Plant;
Motor Vehicle Repair Shop;
Motor Vehicle Wash;
Neighbourhood Public House;
Photofinishing or Photography Laboratory;
Photofinishing or Photography Studio;
Print Shop;
Production or Rehearsal Studio;
Repair Shop - Class A;
Repair Shop - Class B;
Restaurant;
Restaurant - Class 1;
Restaurant - Class 2;
Restaurant - Drive-In;
School - Arts or Self-Improvement;
School - Business;
School - Vocational or Trade;
S
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 42
Section 2
Term
Definition
Short Term Rental Accommodation;
Sign Painting Shop;
Wedding Chapel;
Work Shop.
Shared E-Scooter
Station
An electric kick scooter sharing facility where electric
kick scooters are stored and from which the general
public may rent and return electric kick scooters and
other objects or equipment as part of a Shared E-Scooter
System.
Shared E-Scooter
System
A use of premises that provides the general public with
an opportunity to rent electric kick scooters through an
automated system, on a short-term basis for use within
the City as part of a network comprised of no fewer than
50 public Shared E-Scooter Stations located on separate
sites on streets, and public and private real property.
R
Shoes or Boots
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of shoes or
boots, including leather footwear, but does not include
Plastic Products Manufacturing or Rubber Products
Manufacturing.
M
Short Term Rental
Accommodation
The use of a dwelling unit, or 1 or more bedrooms in a
dwelling unit, as temporary accommodation for any period
less than 90 consecutive days, but does not include Bed
and Breakfast Accommodation or Hotel.
S
Side Yard
The part of the site extending from the front yard to the
rear yard and lying between the ultimate side property line
and the closest side of the principal building.
Single Detached
House
A building containing only 1 principal dwelling unit.
D
Single Detached
House with
Secondary Suite
A building containing 2 dwelling units, 1 of which is a
principal dwelling unit and 1 of which is a Secondary
Suite.
D
Site
An area of land consisting of 1 or more adjoining parcels
or lots abutting on a street not being a lane, but does not
include a strata lot or a leasehold parcel created under
section 99(1)(k) of the Land Title Act (British Columbia).
[formerly One-
Family Dwelling]
[formerly One-
Family Dwelling
with Secondary
Suite]
Also see
definitions for
Corner Site and
Double Fronting
Site
3
2
1
Street
Street
Street
3
2
1
Site Configurations
Corner site
Double fronting site
Corner double fronting site
Lane
Lane
Diagram: Site
Configurations
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 43
Section 2
Term
Definition
Sleeping Unit
1 or more rooms equipped to be used for sleeping and
sitting purposes.
Small-Scale
Pharmacy
A Drug Store that has a total gross store area of less than
600 m2.
R
Social Housing
Rental housing:
(a) in which at least 30% of the dwelling units are
occupied by households with incomes below housing
income limits, as set out in the current "Housing
Income Limits" table published by the British
Columbia Housing Management Commission, or
equivalent publication;
(b) which is owned by a non-profit corporation, by a
non-profit co-operative association, or by or on
behalf of the City, the Province of British Columbia,
or Canada; and
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 44
Section 2
Term
Definition
(c)
in respect of which the registered owner or ground
lessee of the freehold or leasehold title to the land on
which the housing is situated has granted to the City
a section 219 covenant, housing agreement, or other
security for the housing commitments required by
the City, registered against the freehold or leasehold
title, with such priority of registration as the City may
require,
except that in the HA-2 district; in the area of the
FC-1 district located north of National Avenue; in the area
of the M-1, I-2, RT-3 and RM-3A districts located north of
Venables Street, Malkin Avenue and Prior Street, south of
Hastings Street, east of Gore Avenue and west of Clark
Drive; in the Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District;
and in the area of the Downtown District denoted as C2
on Map 1 of the Downtown Official Development Plan;
social housing means rental housing:
(d) in which at least one-third of the dwelling units
are occupied by persons eligible for either
Income Assistance or a combination of basic Old
Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income
Supplement and are rented at rates no higher than
the shelter component of Income Assistance;
(e) which is owned by a non-profit corporation, by a
non-profit co-operative association, or by or on
behalf of the City, the Province of British Columbia,
or Canada; and
(f)
in respect of which the registered owner or ground
lessee of the freehold or leasehold title to the land on
which the housing is situated has granted to the City
a section 219 covenant, housing agreement, or other
security for the housing commitments required by
the City, registered against the freehold or leasehold
title, with such priority of registration as the City may
require.
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 45
Section 2
Term
Definition
Social Service Centre
The use of premises by a non-profit society:
(a) providing information, referral, counselling, advocacy
or health care services;
(b) dispensing aid in the nature of food or clothing; or
(c)
providing drop in or activity space,
but does not include premises used for residential
purposes or Detoxification Centre.
I
Stable
The use of premises for the keeping, breeding, raising,
training or boarding of horses, but does not include a
Riding Ring.
A
Storage Warehouse
The use of a wholly enclosed building, or portion
thereof, for the storage of goods, material, machinery,
or equipment, but not any storage that is ancillary to
a principal use of premises, but does not include cold
storage plant or grain elevator.
T
Storage Yard
The use of a partially enclosed building, or portion thereof,
or an open area of land for the storage of goods, material,
machinery or equipment, but not any storage that is
ancillary to a principal use of the premises.
T
Storey
The portion of a building that is situated between the
surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above
it and, if there is no floor above it, that portion between the
surface of such floor and the ceiling surface above it, but
does not include a basement or cellar.
T
Taxicab or Limousine
Station
The use of premises as a base of operations for a taxicab,
limousine, charter bus, or other land-vehicle passenger
transport service, or for a pilot car service.
T
Temporary Modular
Housing
Demountable structures, not permanently affixed to land,
containing 3 or more residential units and accessory uses,
but does not include a Multiple Conversion Dwelling,
Community Care or Assisted Living Facility, or Group
Residence.
D
Also see definition
for Partial Storey
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 46
Section 2
Term
Definition
Temporary Sales
Office
The use of a building in an R1 or RT district, for a period
not exceeding 3 years, for the sole purpose of marketing
and selling dwelling units associated with a residential
development.
O
Textiles or Knit Goods
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of textiles,
textile products or knit goods, including carpets, mats,
rugs, canvas products, cotton bags, jute bags, automobile
fabrics, draperies, silk fabrics, linen fabrics, thread,
cordage, twine, or similar products, but does not include
Clothing Manufacturing, or Linoleum or Coated Fabrics
Manufacturing.
M
Theatre
A facility for performing arts, motion pictures, other media
arts or presentations before a live audience, but does not
include Cabaret.
C
Townhouse
A building containing 4 or more principal dwelling units
where each unit has its own entrance from the exterior
of the building, unless otherwise specified in a district
schedule.
D
Transportation and
Storage Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Aircraft Landing Place;
Booming Ground;
Bulk Data Storage;
Cold Storage Plant;
Grain Elevator;
Marine Terminal or Berth;
Mini-Storage Warehouse;
Packaging Plant;
Railway Station or Rail Yard;
Stockyard;
Storage Warehouse;
Storage Yard;
Taxicab or Limousine Station;
Truck Terminal or Courier Depot;
Weighing or Inspection Station;
Works Yard.
T
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 47
Section 2
Term
Definition
Transportation
Equipment
Manufacturing
The use of premises for the manufacturing of aircraft,
railroad rolling stock, ships, boats, truck or bus bodies,
truck trailers, snowmobiles or motor vehicles.
M
Triplex
A building containing 3 principal dwelling units, but does
not include a Multiple Conversion Dwelling.
D
Truck Terminal or
Courier Depot
The use of premises for the parking and servicing of
trailers, containers, trucks, and other motor vehicles
involved in commercial transport, cartage, moving,
delivery, or related goods movement.
T
U
Ultimate Property Line
The property line that results when an anticipated or
partially dedicated lane or street abuts a site, and that
becomes the property boundary for the purposes of
measuring required yards.
Urban Farm - Class A
The use of land, with or without a principal building, for the
cultivation of fruits or vegetables for sale.
A
Urban Farm - Class B
The use of land or premises for the cultivation of fruits
or vegetables for sale, and of which part or all of the use
may take place in a greenhouse or other structure, and
may include on-site sales.
A
Under-Utilized Lots
A lot or lots in the RT-5 district under developed to less
than 0.45 FSR on January 16, 2018, but excludes lots on
the Council approved Vancouver Heritage Register.
Unnecessary
Hardship
Hardship that results from unique physical circumstances
that are peculiar to the site and does not include mere
inconvenience, preference for a more lenient standard or
a more profitable use, or self-induced hardship resulting
from the actions of the owner or applicant.
Utility and
Communication
Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Public Utility;
Radiocommunication Station;
Recycling Depot;
Waste Disposal Facility.
U
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 48
Section 2
Term
Definition
V
Vehicle Dealer
The use of premises to retail motor vehicles, boats or
recreational trailers.
R
Verandah
See definition for Entry, Porch and Verandah.
W
Waste Disposal
Facility
The use of premises for the treatment, reduction,
recycling, incineration or disposal of refuse, garbage,
sewage, or other waste material, but does not include
Animal Products Processing, Junk Yard or Shop, or
Recycling Depot.
U
Water Table
The level below which the ground is saturated with water
at a pressure of 1 atmosphere or greater.
Wedding Chapel
The use of premises for wedding ceremonies only.
S
Weighing or
Inspection Station
The use of premises for the weighing or inspection of
vehicles.
T
Wholesale
To offer to sell or rent, or to sell or rent, merchandise other
than at retail.
Wholesale Uses
Any or all of the following land uses:
Bulk Fuel Depot;
Cardlock Fuel Station;
Junk Yard or Shop;
Lumber and Building Materials Establishment;
Wholesaling - Class A;
Wholesaling - Class B.
W
Wholesaling - Class A
The use of premises to wholesale merchandise where the
operator of the premises keeps merchandise for sale or
rent on the premises and the floor area for storage space
exceeds the floor area for showroom or display space, but
does not include any other wholesale uses included in this
Section 2.
W
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 49
Section 2
Term
Definition
Wholesaling - Class B
The use of premises to wholesale merchandise where the
operator of the premises keeps merchandise for sale or
rent on the premises and the floor area for showroom or
display space exceeds the floor area for storage space,
but does not include any other wholesale uses listed in
this Section 2 and an office for an import agent or broker,
manufacturer's agent or similar establishment.
W
Wood Products
Manufacturing - Class
A
The use of premises for the manufacturing of wood
products that involves the use or milling of logs, including
the operations of sawmills, planing mills, shingle mills,
veneer mills or plywood mills, but does not include Paper
Manufacturing or Pulp Manufacturing.
M
Wood Products
Manufacturing - Class
B
The use of premises for the manufacturing of wood
products that does not involve the use or milling of logs,
but does not include Furniture or Fixtures Manufacturing,
Paper Manufacturing, Pulp Manufacturing, or Wood
Products Manufacturing - Class A.
M
Work Shop
The use of wholly enclosed premises for the storing,
maintenance, and assembly of equipment and material
for audio, electrical, plumbing, construction, and related
trades.
S
Works Yard
The use of a partially enclosed building or a portion
thereof, or an open area of land, for the storing, repairing,
or cleaning of supplies, materials, equipment, or vehicles
of any business that conducts construction, installation,
cleaning, repair, or other industrial trade services off-site.
T
Y
Yard
See definitions for Exterior Side Yard, Front Yard, Rear
Yard and Side Yard.
Z
Street
Lane
F
S
R
S
F
R
S
Front Yard
Property Line
Site Yards
Side Yard
Rear Yard
Diagram: Yards
(Front, Rear, Side)
City of Vancouver
November 2025
Zoning and Development By-law
Page 50
Section 2
Term
Definition
Zero Emission
Building
A building that has been designed to meet:
(a) the Passive House or EnerPHit standard and
achieve certification by the Passive House Institute
of Darmstadt, Germany, as verified by a Passive
House building certifier;
(b) the Zero Energy standard and achieve certification
by the International Living Future Institute, as verified
by an ILFI Auditor; or
(c)
an equivalent standard and verification acceptable to
the Director of Planning.