Vancouver Official Development Plan

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  Future area planning

  Future area planning will be guided by the ODP's Urban Structure Strategy PDF file (80 MB), so that development supports the ODP’s vision and reflects each area's unique context, needs, and priorities. 

  The Urban Structure Strategy is a long-term (50 to 100 years) land use vision that shapes future policy and planning. It identifies neighbourhood types across Vancouver to show how different areas may change over time.

  Area plans

  Area plans provide detailed directions for different parts of the city, including:

  • Land use 
  • Building forms 
  • Public spaces 
  • Amenities, and more 

  Learn about the neighbourhood types and read the Urban Structure Strategy PDF file (80 MB)

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  Rezoning decisions

  The ODP provides high-level guidance for land use decisions through Generalized Land Use (GLU) designations PDF file (80 MB) .Under the Vancouver Charter, development must be consistent with the ODP.

  Generalized Land Use (GLU) map

  The GLU map is a high-level city-wide map that shows:  

  • Land use designations (what can be built where)
  • Maximum development potential (how much can be developed on each parcel of land)

  Note Rezoning applications not consistent with the ODP will require an ODP amendment application. Not all ODP amendments will be approved. Review a list of ODP amendments

  Public hearings and the ODP

  Under provincial legislation, we are not allowed to hold public hearings for projects that are consistent with the ODP and have at least 50% residential floor area. This helps speed up approvals for much needed housing. All other rezoning engagement processes will continue. Learn more about Bill 18

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  Assets and servicing growth 

  The ODP helps guide long-term investment, so growth is matched with infrastructure in:  

  • Water 
  • Sewer 
  • Parks 
  • Transportation systems 

Foundational principles

The Vancouver ODP is grounded in 3 foundational principles PDF file (80 MB) of:

• Reconciliation
• Equity
• Resilience

3 Big Ideas that shape the vision of the Vancouver ODP

Review the the 3 Big Ideas in more detail PDF file (80 MB)

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  Equitable housing and complete neighbourhoods 

  • Allowing more housing options and opportunities for everyone to choose a livable neighbourhood that meets their needs.  
  • Making sure all neighbourhoods have the things that matter most. 
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  An economy that works for all

  • Protecting and expanding areas for business and employment.  
  • Adding more job space to neighbourhoods. 
  • Advancing accessible and equitable economic opportunities. 
  • Making sure a mix of housing, jobs, shops, and services are close to rapid transit. 
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  Climate protection and restored ecosystems

  • Creating streets for people to move around by walking, rolling, biking, and taking transit. 
  • Supporting building methods that reduce energy consumption. 
  • Protecting and making space for nature.

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  Creating the ODP

  Provincial legislation required the City of Vancouver to have a city-wide ODP by June 2026. A lot of the work to create the ODP was done for the Vancouver Plan, a city-wide land use framework approved by Council in 2022 after years of engagement with: 

  • Residents 
  • Equity-denied groups 
  • Businesses  
  • Community organizations  

  To develop the Vancouver ODP, staff took all the content of the Vancouver Plan and: 

  • Added only necessary information to satisfy provincial legislation 
  • Made updates to reflect new Council direction since the Vancouver Plan was approved 
  • Made minor updates to improve clarity 
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  Consultation

  The Vancouver Plan had 4 extensive phases of public engagement. 

  Building on Vancouver Plan, consultation for the Vancouver ODP focused on the outstanding technical and administrative content added to the ODP.  

  Targeted consultation began in 2024 with public engagement taking place in fall of 2025. Additional updates were made in response to consultation with: 

  • The local Nations 
  • The public 
  • Neighbouring cities 
  • Government agencies 
  • Other targeted stakeholder groups 

  Review a summary of this consultation

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  Next steps

  The ODP will be reviewed in 2030 and every 5 years after to make sure it continues to respond to:

  • Emerging challenges
  • Housing needs
  • Community priorities

  We will provide updates as the implementation of the Vancouver ODP progresses.