Historic Area Height Review 
Purpose
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The Historic Area of Vancouver, including Chinatown, Gastown, Victory Square and Hastings Street, is rich with history and has played a key role in the shaping of Vancouver's current identity. It is also a living community, a place of economy and a reminder of the City's rich heritage. As part of the planning program for the Downtown Eastside, the City of Vancouver is exploring opportunities for additional height and density in the Historic Area. The purpose of this study is to inform the Chinatown Community Plan currently being prepared, it will also inform how the City responds to rezoning enquiries for taller buildings in the Historic Area.
Study Objectives
The Historic Area Height Review has several objectives guiding the study and its outcomes:
- To provide direction for growth and development in the Historic Area;
- To maintain the Historic Area’s character and general building scale; and,
- To ensure significant new development potential that may result from this study generates public benefits and amenities for the area, such as affordable housing, heritage conservation, social and cultural facilities.
Study Products
Following this public consultation, staff will prepare a report outlining the analysis undertaken, public feedback and recommendations. City Council will consider these recommendations and decide whether or not to allow more height and density in the Historic Area. If more height and density are allowed, implementation might occur in the following ways:
Historic Area Rezoning Policy: Outlining where and under what conditions Council might consider more height and density than allowed for under zoning.
Zoning Amendments: Changes to height and density regulations in the Land Use and Development By-law. Any changes to zoning will require a Public Hearing prior to approval by City Council.
In addition, the Historic Area Height Review may inform the review of other policy programs, including:
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