C4a Zoning in Burnaby — Service Commercial
C4a — Service Commercial is a commercial zoning district in the City of Burnaby. This District provides for the accommodation of vehicular oriented commercial uses of low intensity, and for commercial uses requiring large areas for storage and handling of materials, goods and equipment.
On a typical C4a-zoned lot you can expect a maximum height of 9 m (2 storeys) and site coverage up to 50%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the C4a district
This District provides for the accommodation of vehicular oriented commercial uses of low intensity, and for commercial uses requiring large areas for storage and handling of materials, goods and equipment.
C4a at a glance
| Max height | 9 m |
|---|---|
| Max storeys (by right) | 2 |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Commercial |
Density tiers in C4a
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Commercial | 560 m² | — | — | 9 m |
Permitted uses in C4a
- Automotive Repair (incl. body/paint)
- Car Washing
- Cartage/Delivery/Express
- Drive-in Theatres (C4a only)
- Funeral Parlours
- Gas Stations
- Motels/Motor Hotels
- Nurseries/Greenhouses
- Parking Garages
- Retail Building Supply
- Trade Contractor Storage/Workshops
- Truck/Trailer Sales
- Warehousing/Wholesale
- Child Care
- Emergency Shelters
- Fire Halls
- Accessory Buildings/Uses
C4a zoning FAQ
What is C4a zoning in Burnaby?
C4a (Service Commercial) is a commercial zoning district in the City of Burnaby. This District provides for the accommodation of vehicular oriented commercial uses of low intensity, and for commercial uses requiring large areas for storage and handling of materials, goods and equipment.
What can you build on C4a-zoned land in Burnaby?
Permitted uses in C4a include Automotive Repair (incl. body/paint), Car Washing, Cartage/Delivery/Express, Drive-in Theatres (C4a only), Funeral Parlours, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
How tall can a building be in C4a?
C4a permits a maximum building height of 9 m, generally about 2 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other commercial zones in Burnaby
- C1 — Neighbourhood Commercial
- C1f — Neighbourhood Commercial
- C2 — General Commercial
- C2a — Community Commercial
- C2c — Community Commercial
- C2f — Community Commercial
- C2h — Community Commercial
- C2i — Community Commercial
Look up a specific address in Burnaby
Source: official Burnaby zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026