City scape of Vancouver in the fall

Density bonusing

What's happeningChanges to density bonusing

Through Bill 16 (Housing Statutes Amendment Act), the Province of BC amended legislation governing density bonus contributions. As a result, we updated our approach to density bonusing.

Effective June 30, 2026, we removed cash-in-lieu-only density bonus contributions.

Density bonusing is a zoning tool that allows developers to build more floor space in exchange for community benefits, such as:

  • Parks
  • Childcare centres
  • Affordable housing

Density bonusing allows for:

  • Base density with no density bonus
  • Additional density in exchange for community amenities and affordable housing

Density bonus zones

We may consider additional floor space ratio (FSR) in exchange for on-site, in-kind community amenities provided by the applicant.

Eligible amenities and the amount of additional density vary depending on the district's requirements and priorities.

Annual reports and related documents

Get background information on density bonusing. If you would like historical reports, email [email protected].

Community benefits from development

Learn about the community benefits that come with new development in our neighbourhoods.

Download guide (8MB)