M5 Zoning in Burnaby — Light Industrial District
M5 — Light Industrial District is a industrial zoning district in the City of Burnaby. This District provides for the accommodation of light industrial uses, encourages a high standard of development and is particularly designed to be located adjacent, or in close proximity to residential areas with a minimum of conflict.
On a typical M5-zoned lot you can expect a maximum height of 12 m 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 M5 district
This District provides for the accommodation of light industrial uses, encourages a high standard of development and is particularly designed to be located adjacent, or in close proximity to residential areas with a minimum of conflict.
M5 at a glance
| Max height | 12 m |
|---|---|
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Industrial |
Density tiers in M5
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Industrial District | 930 m² | — | — | 12 m |
Permitted uses in M5
- Laboratories
- Laundries/Dry Cleaning
- Nurseries/Greenhouses
- Radio/TV Broadcasting/Production Studios
- Tool/Equipment Sales/Repair
- Trade Schools
- Business/Professional Offices
- Light Manufacturing (bakery, candy, dairy, beverages, textiles, wood/metal/paper products, furniture, bicycles, electronics, glass/ceramic, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, miscellaneous office supplies)
- Printing/Publishing
- Warehousing/Wholesale
- Cold Storage
- Agricultural Uses
- Caretaker/Watchman Accommodation (lots ≥0.8ha)
- Indoor Athletics ≥370m2 ≥6m ceiling (M5L only)
- Cafes for employees (M5r only)
- Residential Sales Centres
- Cannabis Production (CD plan)
- Child Care
- Cannabis Processing
- Emergency Shelters
- Fire Halls
- Accessory Buildings/Uses
M5 zoning FAQ
What is M5 zoning in Burnaby?
M5 (Light Industrial District) is a industrial zoning district in the City of Burnaby. This District provides for the accommodation of light industrial uses, encourages a high standard of development and is particularly designed to be located adjacent, or in close proximity to residential areas with a minimum of conflict.
What can you build on M5-zoned land in Burnaby?
Permitted uses in M5 include Laboratories, Laundries/Dry Cleaning, Nurseries/Greenhouses, Radio/TV Broadcasting/Production Studios, Tool/Equipment Sales/Repair, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
How tall can a building be in M5?
M5 permits a maximum building height of 12 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other industrial zones in Burnaby
- E1 — Employment District
- I1 — Industrial District
- I1a — Industrial District
- M1 — Manufacturing District
- M2 — General Industrial District
- M3 — Heavy Industrial District
- M4 — Special Industrial
- M6 — Truck Terminal District
Look up a specific address in Burnaby
Source: official Burnaby zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026