Design guidelines and construction standards

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  Standard detail drawings

  To be referenced in design packages and utilized in designs for City of Vancouver infrastructure. Supplements MMCD Platinum Edition Volume II.

  1. Table of contents PDF file (979 KB) (updated July 2026)
  2. Concrete and miscellaneous details PDF file (10 MB) (updated July 2026)
  3. Concrete base PDF file (12 MB) (updated July 2026)
  4. Electrical PDF file (9.5 MB) (updated July 2026)
  5. General details PDF file (14.4 MB) (updated July 2026)
  6. Roadworks PDF file (14.7 MB) (updated July 2026)
  7. Storm and sanitary sewers PDF file (13.6 MB) (updated July 2026)
  8. Waterworks PDF file (16 MB) (updated July 2026)
  9. Cathodic protection PDF file (17 MB)
  10. Green infrastructure PDF file (6.6 MB) (added July 2026)
  11. Neighbourhood energy utility PDF file (475 KB) (added July 2026)

  Summary of Revisions to Standard Detail Drawings - June 2026 PDF file (115 KB) (added July 2026)

Additional documents

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  Green infrastructure

  Planting guidelines

  • Planting strategies PDF file (2.2 MB) (added May 1, 2025)
  • Green infrastructure approved plant list PDF file (24 KB) (added March 14, 2024)
  • Green rainwater infrastructure planting guidelines PDF file (16.7 MB) (added February 18, 2025)

  Green rainwater infrastructure design resources

  • Design resources and archived drawings

  Reference drawings and templates

  Download DWG files as compressed .zip folders

  • 1.0 General information Zip file (1.6 MB) (added September 22, 2022)
  • 2.0 Inlets and outlets Zip file (1.7 MB) (added September 22, 2022)
  • 3.0 Components Zip file (3 MB) (added September 22, 2022)
  • 4.0 Bioretention Zip file (2.7 MB) (added September 22, 2022)
  • 5.0 Rainwater tree trencesh Zip file (2 MB) (added September 22, 2022)
  • 6.0 Infiltration systems Zip file (1.5 MB) (added September 22, 2022)
  • 7.0 Bioswales Zip file (1.8 MB) (added September 22, 2022)

  Design guidance

  • General green infrastructure design guidance PDF file (2 MB)
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  Streets and transportation

  • Signal timing guidelines PDF file (7.1 MB)
  • Transportation 2040 PDF file (15 MB)
  • Complete streets policy framework PDF file (5.5 MB)
  • Streetscape design guidelines
  • Design guidelines for All Ages and Abilities (AAA) cycling routes PDF file (2 MB)
  • Transportation assessment and management study guidelines for consultants PDF file (127 KB)
  • Parking and loading design supplement PDF file (85 KB)
  • Recommended guidelines for universal access to public docks in False Creek PDF file (2 MB)
  • Sign code inventory PDF file (3.8 MB)
  • Synchro modelling guidelines PDF file (1.8 MB)
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  Utilities

  • Quick reference guide - CoV Utility Design and Drawing Standards PDF file (149 KB)
  • Integrated Rainwater Management Plan Volume I, Vision, Principles and Actions PDF file (8 MB)
  • Integrated Rainwater Management Plan Volume II, Best Management Practices Toolkit PDF file (3 MB)
  • Wastewater Pump Station Guidelines PDF file (2.2 MB)
  • Waterworks’ Engineering-owned drinking fountains PDF file (170 KB)
  • Key Plan Process and Requirements PDF file (589 KB)
  • Vancouver Shoreline Flood Protection Design Reference PDF file (4.4 MB)
  • InfoWorks ICM Modelling Standards and Guidelines PDF file (11.6 MB)
  • Neighbourhood Energy Utility Connectivity Guidelines and Requirements PDF file (2.4 MB)
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  Public realm and street use

  • Design guidelines for large sidewalk patios on City property PDF file (300 )
  • Parklet Manual PDF file (9 MB)
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  Structures

  • Standardized CIP retaining walls PDF file (884 KB)