Zoning and Development By-law 3575

How to use the by-law

Want to find out what uses are allowed on your property? Thinking of renovating or building? Follow these steps and review the relevant regulations in the Zoning and Development By-law and any related by-laws before you begin.

Review the User Guide to the Zoning and Development By-law PDF file (959 KB)

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  Step 1: Determine your property's zoning district

  The City of Vancouver is divided into zoning districts. The Zoning and Development By-law sets out the rules for development in each zoning district.

  Find your zone

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  Step 2: Find out if you need a development permit

  Review:

  • Section 4 of the by-law PDF file (30 KB) to see the types of development and uses that do not require a development permit
  • Steps to getting a development permit if you require a development permit. Please note that a building permit may also be required.
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  Step 3: Review the rules in the district schedule that applies to your property

  Depending on your property’s zoning designation, review the applicable district schedule.

  Is the use you are considering a conditional use?

  In each zoning district, land uses are categorized as either outright or conditional uses:

  • Outright uses are those that are allowed, without any conditions, provided that they comply with by-law regulations 
  • Conditional uses are those that may be allowed, subject to conditions as determined by the Director of Planning, or may be refused

  If the use you are considering is a conditional use, also check section 3.3 of the district schedule where the property is located to see if there are any additional conditions that apply.

  Can any of the regulations be varied?

  Some regulations can be varied by the Director of Planning, as set out in the district schedule and in the general sections of the by-law. If so, check to see if there are any relevant guidelines that describe the criteria that might be considered by the Director of Planning when considering whether to vary a regulation.

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  Step 4: Review the general regulations for specific uses and definitions

  Review:

  • General regulations, section 10 of the by-law PDF file (174 KB) for the general regulations that may apply to your property
  • Additional regulations for specific uses, section 11 of the by-law PDF file (552 KB) for any specific requirements related to the proposed uses on the property
  • Definitions, section 2 of the by-law PDF file (669 KB) to ensure a clear understanding of the terms used in this by-law. The definitions are organized alphabetically and include definitions for all land uses as well as other related terms. Where relevant, additional information is provided including references to any use-specific regulations in section 11 and illustrations that help explain a term. 
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  Step 5: Review policies and guidelines, parking requirements, and other related by-laws

  Review:

  • Relevant area and/or topic specific plans, policies, guidelines, or bulletins to determine if they are applicable to your property
  • The Parking By-law, which contains the requirements associated with motor vehicle and bicycle parking spaces, and loading spaces
  • Related by-laws to determine if they apply to your property (for example, Protection of Trees By-law, Heritage By-law, Sign By-law,  Subdivision By-law, Health By-law, and Noise Control By-law)