Urban planning, sustainable zoning, and development
In 2023, the Province announced several pieces of legislation aimed at building more homes faster, shaping growth around transit hubs, and reducing red tape. Learn how we’re supporting these goals and creating diverse and connected neighborhoods
"Vancouverism" is an internationally known term that describes a new kind of city living.
Vancouverism combines deep respect for nature with enthusiasm for busy, engaging, active streets and dynamic urban life.
Vancouverism means tall slim towers for density, widely separated by low-rise buildings, for light, air, and views.
It means many parks, walkable streets, and public spaces, combined with an emphasis on sustainable forms of transit.
Planning Vancouver Together to 2050 and beyond
We’ve launched the process to develop the Vancouver (City-wide) Plan that will guide our city to 2050 and beyond.
We achieve this liveable, high-quality urban design through creative planning, combined with:
- Carefully crafted development policies, guidelines, and bylaws
- Extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and experts
- Ongoing reevaluation of where we are as a city, and where we would like to go
No wonder city planners and urban designers come to Vancouver from around the world to find inspiration for re-imagining their inner cities, and look for more sustainable ways to live healthy and sociable lives.
How we make Vancouver one of the world's most liveable cities
Urban planning
In Vancouver, urban planning focuses on liveability. That means creating a city of neighbourhoods where people can work, play, and shop.
Zoning and Development By-law
The Zoning and Development By-law 3575 establishes regulations for the development of land in the City of Vancouver.
Rezoning
Find rezoning applications and give your feedback, learn about the rezoning process, and apply for rezoning.
Development applications
View information on active development permit applications in the city by address.
Get information on a property
As part of the process of buying, selling, developing, or maintaining your property, get specific information associated with your land.
Subdividing, strata, addressing and street changes
Find out how to subdivide your property, convert ownership to a strata, and how to get the number of your street address changed.
Advisory groups and citizen involvement
Learn how to participate in the planning and development process in Vancouver, and have your voice heard.