Heritage and character buildings are valued by many Vancouver residents, and are an important component of defining neighbourhood identity and character.
The Character Home Zoning Review was started as part of the Heritage Action Plan in response to growing public concern over the loss of character homes in the city.
Following a year and a half of public consultation, on October 3, 2017, Council approved amendments to the Zoning and Development Bylaw to introduce character retention incentives and increased opportunities for housing choice in low-density zones across the city.
Character versus heritage
A character house is a house built prior to 1940 that is considered to have heritage character merit by City staff, but is not listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register.
A heritage house is a house that is listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register.
What's happeningCouncil recently approved zoning changes
Council recently approved zoning changes to add multiplexes with up to 6 units per lots:
- As a new missing middle housing option
- To simplify rules for other housing options in low-density neighbourhoods across the city
Some minor adjustments to the regulations for character retention projects were made to align with these changes. In addition, Council directed staff to explore and report back on options to update the character retention policies to align with the 1.0 FSR permitted for new multiplexes. Staff are working on it and are targeting to have a report back in 2024.
Learn more about the changes
Documents
Heat pump rebate and energy efficient enquiries
Information icon We do not administer heat pump rebate applications.
Contact a Clean BC Better Homes Energy Coach through their online form External link icon or by phone 1-844-881-9790.