Development Potential Relief Program

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  Ineligible uses

  A property is not eligible if the primary use (defined as 50% or more of the floor area) is for one or more of the following:  

  • Big box stores 
  • Billboards or signs 
  • Development presentation centres or temporary sales offices 
  • Financial services, including banks, credit unions, investment advisors, insurance, and trust companies
  • Gasoline stations 
  • Hotels 
  • International or national chains
  • Manufacturing, production, wholesale, utility, communication, and logistics  
    • Except for floor area occupied by eligible arts and culture organizations* or eligible non-profit organizations**
  • Neighbourhood or regional shopping centres  
  • Office including general office, health care office, health enhancement centre, and laboratory  
    • Except for floor area occupied by eligible arts and culture organizations* or eligible non-profit organizations**
  • Parking including parking garages and surface parking 
  • Properties owned or operated by any level of government or its agent 
  • Redevelopment sites for which a rezoning has been approved in principle following public hearing 
  • Storage or warehouse 
    • Except for floor area occupied by eligible arts and culture organizations* or eligible non-profit organizations**
  • Vehicle dealer, auto service, or carwash 
    • Except for floor area occupied by independent auto service 

  Explanatory note

  * Eligible arts and culture organization means Vancouver-based artists, arts collectives, or community cultural organizations involved in the production, creation, rehearsal, or presentation of arts and culture such as visual, performing, media, literary, craft, or interdisciplinary arts. 

  ** Eligible non-profit organization means registered Vancouver-based non-profit societies, charitable organizations, or co-operatives in good standing with BC Registry Services or the Canadian Revenue Agency involved in the provision of information, referral or advocacy services, drop-in or activity space, or food, clothing, or other aid for social purposes.

Program details

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  How the program works

  In 2023, the DPRP pilot provided tax relief for certain eligible properties. A portion of the land value (ranging from 5% to 55% by neighbourhood and zoning district), and up to a maximum limit of $5.4 million, was taxed at the DPRP rate that was 50% lower than the City's blended general purpose tax rate for Light Industry (Class 5) and Business (Class 6) properties.

  An eligible property can only benefit from either DPRP or the targeted 5-year land assessment averaging program, not both.

  Currently, the DPRP does not apply to the Provincial School Tax and taxes levied by other taxing authorities such as TransLink and Metro Vancouver. 

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  Documents

  • Council report (February 27, 2024) PDF file (1.5 MB)
  • Pilot Development Potential Relief Program (DPRP pilot) PDF file (252 KB)
  • List of folios sent a declaration form for 2024 pilot PDF file (646 KB)
  • Council report (October 18, 2023) PDF file (531 KB)
  • Council presentation (October 18, 2023) PDF file (1.7 MB)