Infographic of a house showing vegetated green roof, rainwater harvesting or detention tank, landscape feature

Rainwater management on private property

What's happeningNew rainwater management requirements for Part 3 buildings webinar

Join us for a free webinar focused on the latest updates in on-site rainwater management policies. This webinar has been customized to address topics specifically relevant to architects.

Date: October 11, 2023
Time: Noon to 1:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online via Zoom  

Register by Monday, October 10 


What's new: July 25, 2023

To simplify rezoning applications, we are updating our rainwater management requirements. Review the requirements

What's coming

Effective January 1, 2024, we will have simplified rainwater management requirements for certain new, private property developments. New Part 3 (complex) buildings in Vancouver will need to have rainwater management. The requirements will not apply to residential buildings with 8 or fewer units or to alterations of existing buildings. The Rainwater Management Bulletin (903 KB) will no longer be used.

What's the same

Water quality standards for discharged storm water remain unchanged. Review the details in the Sewer and Watercourse By-law (section 3)  (346 KB).

The Groundwater Management Bulletin (1 MB), and its underlying by-law text, remain unchanged.

In Vancouver, rainwater runs off into our sewer system and can cause:

  • Flooding
  • Sewer overflows

To help reduce flooding and overflows, we:

  • Need to look at ways to manage rainwater
  • Are working with Metro Vancouver to improve the public sewer system

Private properties also have a role to play in keeping rainwater out of our sewers.

Requirements

Key concerns