Vancouver Official Development Plan

About the Vancouver ODP

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  ODP details

  The Vancouver ODP includes all the content of the Vancouver Plan, adding only the necessary information to meet provincial legislation, reflect new Council direction since the Vancouver Plan was approved, and other required minor updates to improve clarity.

  The Vancouver ODP does not directly serve as a rezoning policy. It will be adopted by by-law and provide guidance for Council decisions on rezoning applications, infrastructure investments, and other development matters that must align with the ODP.

  The ODP offers high-level guidance through a Generalized Land Use (GLU), designations that reflect existing development potential established in Council-adopted area plans and rezoning policies, and underlying zoning.

  Vancouver’s existing ODPs

  By June 30, 2030, we are mandated under new provincial legislation (Bill 18 External website, opens in new tab) to repeal our existing ODPs and have a single city-wide ODP.  This integration aims to streamline and unify Vancouver’s land use policy system.

  The ODP Public hearing

  Under Bill 18, we are not allowed to hold public hearings for projects that are consistent with the ODP and have at least 50% residential housing. This is intended to speed up the delivery of much-needed housing. 

  All existing City rezoning engagement processes will continue, including the opportunity to submit comments to our staff and Council for consideration prior to making a rezoning decision. 

  Learn more about provincial housing legislation related to bill 18

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  How the ODP will work

  As a policy document adopted by by-law, the ODP will outline a unified vision for how the city will grow and develop for the next 30 years and beyond.

  All development will be required to be consistent with the plan. The policies contained in the ODP will be implemented over time through: 

  • Making sure rezoning applications are consistent with the Generalized Land Use (GLU) designations and policies in the ODP
  • Developing new area plans and policy
  • Aligning existing policies and regulations with the ODP
  • Managing assets and servicing growth in alignment with the ODP
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  Reviews and updates

  The Vancouver Charter requires that the ODP be reviewed every 5 years alongside updated Housing Needs Report. It will be updated as needed to stay current and effective.

  The first version must be adopted by June 2026. A second version is anticipated in 2030 when we are required to repeal all other existing ODPs. 

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  Addressing future needs

  The Vancouver ODP will be a comprehensive guide and unified vision for how the city will grow and develop over time. It will provide a high-level understanding of the land use and development potential across the city.

  The ODP must identify areas for homes to meet anticipated housing needs for the next 20 years. It will also include policies and maps related to:

  • Land use, for example: 
    • Commercial
    • Industrial
    • Agricultural
    • Institutional
    • Recreational
  • Public facilities, for examples: schools
  • Hazardous lands
  • Environmentally sensitive areas
  • Public utilities
  • Roads
  • Sewers
  • Water systems
  • Other topics 
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  Public engagement

  Vancouver Plan: Summary of past engagements

  The Vancouver Plan had 4 extensive phases of public engagement.

  They covered many topics, including:

  • Land use
  • Housing
  • Economy
  • Ecology
  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Climate
  • Transportation

  Key priorities identified

  The engagement processes highlighted 3 key priorities:

  • Equitable housing and complete neighborhoods
  • An economy that works for all
  • Climate protection and restored ecosystems

  These themes remain central to the Vancouver ODP.

  Current engagement priorities for the ODP

  We are currently focusing consultation on the outstanding technical and administrative content required for the ODP.

  We will be engaging on this new content with local First Nations, regional, provincial, and federal governments, boards and agencies, and others as required by provincial legislation.  

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  Key planning terms

  Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy: Metro 2050 

  Metro 2050: Regional Growth Strategy External website, opens in new tab was adopted on February 24, 2023.

  The strategy outlines a vision for managing housing, job growth, and population across the Metro Vancouver region over the next 30 years. It sets out strategies for sustainable growth that all municipal plans, including Vancouver's, need to align with.

  Vancouver Official Development Plan (ODP)

  The Vancouver ODP outlines long-term policies for city-wide land use and development over the next 30 years and beyond, making sure that Vancouver’s development aligns with the goals of Metro 2050.

  The ODP will incorporates the Regional Context Statement (being updated), which connects Vancouver's land use plans and policies to the wider goals of Metro 2050: Regional Growth Strategy.

  Area plans

  These plans provide detailed direction on future land use, development, and building form at the local level, advancing the broader regional goals set by Metro 2050 and reflected in the Vancouver ODP.

  Zoning and guidelines

  Zoning regulates development based on policy directions set out by higher-level documents such as the Vancouver ODP and area and community plans. Guidelines provide guidance for meeting our objectives and standards.

  Development and building permits

  These permits provide the highest level of regulatory compliance. They make sure that all development adheres to the specific regulations in the Zoning and Development By-law. This alignment supports the overarching strategies of Metro 2050.