Zoning in Vancouver
Every lot in Vancouver sits in a zoning district set by the Zoning and Development By-law. The district decides what can be built: how many homes, how tall, how much floor area, and how far from the lot lines.
R1-1 (residential inclusive) replaced most single-family zones in 2023. On a qualifying lot it allows a house with suites, a duplex or a multiplex of up to six homes (eight if all are rental). Lot width, lot area and a rear lane decide which options are open.
RT and RM districts allow townhouses, duplexes and low-rise apartments. CD-1 (comprehensive development) is a site-specific zone: its own by-law sets the rules for that one site, so two CD-1 lots can have very different rules.
The zoning on our pages comes from the City’s zoning map. Before you buy to build or renovate, confirm what is allowed with the City’s development and building services or a designer.
General information, not legal or professional advice.