This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 16db1cc8185a · verified 2026-10-26 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
* Skip to content
* Skip to main navigation
* Skip to section navigation
* Skip to search
* Van311
* Contact
* Translate
* Online services
Areas of the city
Site Search:
Home, property, and development
* Waste and recycling
* Taxes
* Utility and landfill bills
* Building and renovating
* Urban planning, zoning, and development
+ Urban planning
+ Zoning and Development By-law
- Zoning and land use document library
- Amendments to zoning and land use documents
+ Rezoning
+ Development applications
+ Get information on a property
+ Subdividing, strata, addressing and street changes
+ Advisory groups and citizen involvement
* Animals, trees, gardens, and lawns
* Property use, noise, and graffiti
* Water, sewer, and energy
* Public and personal safety
# City of Vancouver logoIntroduction to zoning
## Zoning and land use document library
Access zoning and land use documents, including the Zoning and Development By-law, official development plans, policies, guidelines, and bulletins.
Review the zoning and land use document library
## Authority to regulate land use
In Vancouver, the authority to regulate land use is granted by the Vancouver Charter. The charter is a provincial statute that specifies the types of by-laws the City can enact and what the by-laws can regulate.
In keeping with the authority granted by the charter, the Zoning and Development By-law establishes regulations for the development of land in Vancouver.
## What the by-law regulates
* The types of land uses allowed
* Where a building can be located on a site
* The building's maximum height and size
* Other provisions necessary to enable good city building
## What's happeningCity-initiated rezoning approved for some areas within Broadway Plan and Cambie Corridor Plan
On October 7, 2025, Council approved rezoning of some areas within the Broadway Plan and Cambie Corridor Plan to new low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise residential zones.
In these areas, you can now apply for a development permit or a development permit enquiry.
Learn more about the zoning changes *PDF file* (49 MB)
---
## Implementation is underway for the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan
We’re updating bylaws and policies to reflect the objectives of the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan.
Learn more about the comprehensive plan
## How to use the by-law
Want to find out what uses are allowed on your property? Follow these steps and review the relevant regulations in the Zoning and Development By-law and any related by-laws before you begin.
* |
* ### Step 1: Determine your property's zoning district
The City of Vancouver is divided into zoning districts. The Zoning and Development By-law sets out the rules for development in each zoning district.
Find the zoning district
* ### Step 2: Review the rules in the district schedule that applies to your property
Depending on your property’s zoning designation, review the applicable district schedule.
#### Is the use you are considering a conditional approval use?
In each zoning district, land uses are categorized as either outright or conditional approval uses:
+ **Outright approval uses** are those that are allowed, without any conditions, provided that they comply with by-law regulations
+ **Conditional approval uses** are those that may be allowed, subject to conditions as determined by the Director of Planning, or may be refused
Check section 2.2 of the district schedule where the property is located to see if there are any conditions that apply.
#### Can any of the regulations be varied?
Some regulations can be varied by the Director of Planning, as set out in the district schedule and in the general sections of the by-law. If so, check to see if there are any relevant guidelines that describe the criteria that might be considered by the Director of Planning when considering whether to vary a regulation.
* ### Step 3: Review other sections of the by-law
Review:
+ Section 10 General Regulations *PDF file* (174 KB) for the general regulations that may apply to your property
+ Section 11 Use-Specific Regulations *PDF file* (552 KB) for any specific requirements related to the proposed uses on the property
+ Section 2 Definitions *PDF file* (669 KB) to ensure a clear understanding of the terms used in this by-law. The definitions are organized alphabetically and include definitions for all land uses as well as other related terms. Where relevant, additional information is provided including references to any use-specific regulations in section 11 and illustrations that help explain a term.
* ### Step 4: Review policies and guidelines, parking requirements, and other related by-laws
Review:
+ Relevant area and/or topic specific plans, policies, guidelines, or bulletins to determine if they are applicable to your property
+ The Parking By-law, which contains the requirements associated with motor vehicle and bicycle parking spaces, and loading spaces
+ Related by-laws to determine if they apply to your property (for example, Protection of Trees By-law, Heritage By-law, Sign By-law, Subdivision By-law, Health By-law, and Noise Control By-law)
* ### Step 5: Review what you need to do if you are thinking of renovating or building
Review:
+ Section 4 of the by-law *PDF file* (30 KB) for the types of development and uses that don't require a development permit
+ Steps to getting a development permit if you require a development permit (A building permit may also be required.)
+ Development permit conditions resource for land dedication, public realm, and typical infrastructure conditions that may apply to your property
**Questions?** Contact the Development and Building Services Centre online
## Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan
The Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan is a comprehensive plan, designed to guide change and growth in the neighbourhood.
## Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies
Zoning and land use document libraryAmendments to zoning and land use documents
City of Vancouver virtual assistant
Tell us how you found your conversation today