Heritage review process

What you need to know before submitting a development permit or rezoning application

 Check your property’s heritage status:

• Is your property listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR) or identified as having heritage potential?
• Does your property have a Statement of Significance (SOS)?

Note Some properties in Vancouver may be identified as potential additions to the VHR. These properties are flagged in our permit system to alert Heritage Planning staff during any development enquiry or application. If a property owner wants to add their property to the VHR and its heritage value is confirmed, they may be eligible for development incentives in exchange for heritage conservation and addition to the register.

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  Step 1: Verify the heritage status of your property

  Note Check the Vancouver Heritage Register to determine if the property is listed on the register before moving forward with your project.

  • If your project is complex and mixed-use, high-density, or requires rezoning:
    • Submit a development permit enquiry for guidance
  • If your project is residential or small and involves a detached house, secondary suite, duplex, multiplex, laneway house, or building alterations:
    • Contact the Development and Building Services Centre for assistance
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   Step 2: Confirm if the property has a Statement of Significance on file 

  Check property's Statement of Significance (SOS) status

  Note Some properties in Vancouver may be identified as potential additions to the VHR. These properties are flagged in our permit system to alert Heritage Planning staff during any development enquiry or application. If a property owner wants to add their property to the VHR and its heritage value is confirmed, they may be eligible for development incentives in exchange for heritage conservation and addition to the register.

What to submit with your development permit or rezoning application

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  Statement of Significance (SOS) 

  The Statement of Significance (SOS):

  • Summarizes key heritage values and character-defining elements of a property  
  • Informs and guides the preservation and conservation of a property’s heritage elements

  Property owners can hire a heritage consultant to prepare an SOS. The Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals External website, opens in new tab has a directory of certified professionals who offer consulting services.  

  Note An SOS is a mandatory requirement for any enquiry or pre-application process involving a heritage property.  

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  Conservation Plan

  The Conservation Plan:

  • Is a detailed document outlining the conservation strategies and procedures for preserving a property’s heritage values while adapting it for proposed use or development
  • Makes sure the the property’s key heritage features and character- defining elements are kept intact using conservation methods

  All work must comply with the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada External website, opens in new tab.

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  Drawings

  Architectural drawings should clearly document:

  • The property’s current condition
  • Any proposed changes

  These should be aligned with the conservation procedures outlined in the Conservation Plan.

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  Physical and structural reports 

  For more complex projects, such as mid and high-rise buildings, physical and structural (including seismic) assessment reports may also be required (contact Heritage Planning staff for more information).

Properties listed on the VHR 

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  SOS on file

  • Heritage Planning staff will confirm that a Statement of Significance (SOS) has been processed and filed with the BC Register of Historic Places. 
  • Work with Heritage Planning staff to develop a conservation strategy that outlines proposed conservation procedures.
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  No SOS on file

  • You will be advised to commission an SOS from a heritage consultant.
  • Work with Heritage Planning staff to develop a conservation strategy tailored to the property.

Properties not listed on the VHR but identified for potential heritage value

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  Rapid heritage assessment (RHA) 

  For properties not yet listed on the VHR but being considered for addition, a Rapid Heritage Assessment (RHA) will be done.

  The RHA is a quick, high-level screening to verify the place’s heritage value using available research materials including:

  • Maps
  • Current and historical records (photographs, directory listings, publications)
  • Other relevant information

  Note The assessment is completed in collaboration with the property owner or applicant. 

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  Options for retaining and conserving a property

  If the RHA confirms a property has heritage value, Heritage Planning staff will discuss retention and conservation options with the owner, including any available heritage incentives.

  If the property owner:

  • Pursues the conservation pathway, they will be advised to commission a SOS. The Vancouver Heritage Foundation Planning Project Grant program External website, opens in new tab helps cover the costs of preparing the SOS. When submitted, the property will undergo heritage evaluation for its potential to be added to the Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR)
  • Doesn't pursue the conservation pathway, the project can proceed through the standard permit application process without any heritage conservation requirements