Frequently asked questions
What is City-initiated rezoning?
The City of Vancouver can proactively change zoning rules for certain areas of the city to align with City Council’s approved policies and priorities. This allows future projects in those areas to submit a development permit application, if they follow the new rules, without needing a lengthier rezoning process.
What is Vancouver Plan (2022)?
Approved by City Council in July 2022, the Vancouver Plan is the City’s long-term land use strategy. It guides the long-term growth of the city in an intentional way, clarifying where growth and change will occur over the next 30 years and beyond. It was developed through an extensive planning process and broad-based engagement. Learn more about Vancouver Plan here.
What is C-2 Zoning?
C-2 zoning allows a broad mix of commercial activities that meet both neighborhood and city-wide needs, along with housing along major streets. It prioritizes building designs that make different uses work well together, maintain livability, reduce impacts on nearby homes, and create streets that are interesting and welcoming for pedestrians. It also supports mixed-use developments that include secure rental housing by setting rules for buildings with long-term rental units.
What is secured rental housing?
Rental housing secured through a legal agreement that ensures it cannot be converted to a condo or strata unit. Apartment buildings are the most common form of secured rental housing.
Other types of rental housing, such as a rented basement suite or condo unit, are less secure. Owners can evict tenants to move in, and tenants are often forced to move when the unit is bought or sold.
What is RR Zoning?
RR zoning allows a range of rental developments, from triplexes and townhouses to 6-storey apartments (sometimes with mixed-use). These zones provide a diversity of housing choice by allowing missing-middle rental housing close to transit and neighbourhood amenities and are used only when the property owner applies for a rezoning to one of these zones.