Official Community Plan land use map

The District's Community Plan designates the preferred location of land uses — residential, commercial, and institutional — for housing, jobs, parks, and schools.

The designations include floor space ratios (FSR), which provide guidance regarding the general massing and approximate density of development.

FSR, as used here, generally means the ratio of the floor area of a proposed development divided by the area of the lot or lots where the development will sit. It does not regulate actual densities on individual lots, as that is the function of the zoning bylaw.

How to use this page

To find the land use designation for a property:

  1. Zoom in to find the property on the map
  2. Note which designation the land falls under (examples: residential level 4, commercial, industrial)
  3. Refer to the table below the map to find the details for that designation, including the FSR

Download a large PDF version of the map that you can print out in colour

Land use designations

 

Designation Intended for
Residential Level 1:
Rural Residential
Areas designated for rural residential are intended for detached housing on large lots situated outside the urban boundary. The OCP does not envision further intensification of use through subdivision in this designation and/or through extension of services. Detached rural residences are generally allowed up to approximately 0.35 FSR.
Residential Level 2:
Detached Residential
Areas designated for detached residential are intended predominantly for detached housing within neighbourhoods. This designation accommodates secondary rental units such as suites or coach houses subject to the imposition and satisfaction of appropriate conditions. Detached residences (inclusive of suites and coach houses) are generally allowed up to approximately 0.55 FSR.
Residential Level 3:
Attached Residential
Areas designated for attached residential are intended predominantly for ground-oriented multifamily housing within neighbourhoods, or as a transition between higher density sites and adjacent detached residential areas. Typical housing forms in this designation include duplex, triplex, and attached row houses up to approximately 0.80 FSR.
Residential Level 4:
Transition Multifamily
Areas designated for transitional multifamily are intended predominantly for multifamily uses within or in close proximity to centres and corridors, or as a transition between higher density sites and adjacent detached and attached residential areas. This designation typically allows for a mix of townhouse and apartment developments up to approximately 1.20 FSR.
Residential Level 5:
Low Density Apartment
Areas designated for low density apartment are intended predominantly for multifamily housing in centres and corridors up to approximately 1.75 FSR. Development in this designation will typically be expressed in low rise apartments, but may include some townhouses. Some commercial use may be permitted at grade.
Residential Level 6:
Medium Density Apartment
Areas designated for medium density apartment are intended predominantly to provide increased multifamily housing up to approximately 2.50 FSR at strategic locations in centres and corridors. Development in this designation will typically be expressed in medium rise apartments. Some commercial use may also be permitted in this designation.
Commercial Residential Mixed Use Level 1 Areas designated for commercial residential mixed use level 1 are intended predominantly for general commercial purposes, such as retail, service and offices throughout the District. Residential uses above commercial uses at street level are generally encouraged. Development in this designation is permitted up to approximately 1.75 FSR.
Commercial Residential Mixed Use Level 2 Areas designated for commercial residential mixed use level 2 are intended predominantly for medium density general commercial purposes, such as retail, service and offices at limited sites within the District. Residential uses are typically expected to accompany commercial uses. Development in this designation is permitted up to approximately 2.50 FSR.
Commercial Residential Mixed Use Level 3 Areas designated for commercial residential mixed use level 3 are intended predominantly to provide for high density uses up to approximately 3.50 FSR at limited appropriate sites in the District’s Centres. Development in this designation may include residential or commercial uses which encompass retail, office and service uses, or a mix of these residential and commercial uses. 
Commercial Areas designated for commercial are intended predominantly for a variety of commercial and service type uses, where residential uses are not generally permitted. Development in this designation is permitted up to approximately 1.0 FSR. Institutional.
Institutional Areas designated for institutional are intended predominantly for a range of public assembly uses, such as schools, churches, recreation centres, and public buildings. Some commercial and accessory residential uses may be permitted.
Light Industrial Artisan Areas designated for light industrial artisan are intended predominantly for a mix of small-scale light industrial, warehouse, service, utility and residential uses up to approximately 2.50 FSR. Light industrial uses at street level are generally encouraged, and residential uses are typically expected above street level. Supportive uses including limited office, and limited retail uses may be permitted.
Industrial Areas designated for industrial are intended predominantly for a range of manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, service, and port-related uses. Limited office, limited retail and residential caretaker uses may be permitted.
Light Industrial Commercial Areas designated for light industrial commercial are intended predominantly for a mix of industrial, warehouse, office, service, utility and business park type uses. Supportive uses including limited retail and limited residential uses may be permitted.
Light Industrial Commercial Mixed Use – Innovation District Areas designated for light industrial commercial mixed-use - innovation district are intended predominantly for a mix of industrial, warehouse, office, service, utility and business park type uses up to approximately 1.10 FSR. Light industrial uses at street level are generally encouraged, and commercial uses, such as retail, service and office, are typically expected above street level. Supportive uses including limited institutional, and limited recreational uses may be permitted.
Light Industrial Residential Mixed Use – Innovation District  Areas designated for light industrial residential mixed-use - innovation district are intended predominantly for a mix of industrial, warehouse, office, service, utility, and business park type uses up to approximately 1.10 FSR. Light industrial uses at street level are generally encouraged, and residential uses are typically expected above street level. Supportive uses including limited institutional, limited recreational, and residential-only uses may be permitted.
Parks, Open Space, and Natural Areas Areas designated for parks, open space and natural areas are intended for a range of public and private uses focused principally on the protection and preservation of ecologically important habitat areas, the regional drinking water supply, or the provision of diverse parks, outdoor recreational, or tourism opportunities.

Get more detail on land use designations in section 12.5 of the OCP

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