CA Zoning in Richmond — Auto-Oriented Commercial (CA)
CA — Auto-Oriented Commercial (CA) is a commercial zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone provides for a mix of commercial and related uses oriented to vehicular access.
On a typical CA-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.5–1.5, 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 CA district
The zone provides for a mix of commercial and related uses oriented to vehicular access.
CA at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.5–1.5 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 12 m |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Commercial |
Density tiers in CA
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Oriented Commercial (CA) | — | — | 1.5 | 12 m |
Permitted uses in CA
- amusement centre
- animal grooming
- body rub studio
- body painting studio
- broadcasting studio
- car wash
- child care
- commercial storage
- education, commercial
- education, university
- entertainment, spectator
- government service
- greenhouse & plant nursery
- health service, minor
- hotel
- liquor primary establishment
- manufacturing, custom indoor
- microbrewery, winery and distillery
- motel
- office
- parking, non-accessory
- recreation, indoor
- recycling depot
- religious assembly
- restaurant
- restaurant, drive-through
- retail, adult
- retail, convenience
- retail, general
- retail, pawnshop
- retail, second hand
- service, business support
- service, financial
- service, household repair
- service, personal
- studio
- transportation depot
- vehicle body repair or paint shop
- vehicle repair
- vehicle rental, convenience
- vehicle sale/rental
- veterinary service
- home business
- residential security/operator unit
- retail liquor 2
CA zoning FAQ
What is CA zoning in Richmond?
CA (Auto-Oriented Commercial (CA)) is a commercial zoning district in the City of Richmond. The zone provides for a mix of commercial and related uses oriented to vehicular access.
What can you build on CA-zoned land in Richmond?
Permitted uses in CA include amusement centre, animal grooming, body rub studio, body painting studio, broadcasting studio, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for CA in Richmond?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in CA generally ranges from about 0.5 up to 1.5. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in CA?
CA permits a maximum building height of 12 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other commercial zones in Richmond
- CC — Community Commercial (CC)
- CEA — Entertainment & Athletics (CEA)
- CG1 — Gas & Service Stations (CG1)
- CG2 — Gas & Service Stations (CG2)
- CL — Local Commercial (CL)
- CP1 — Pub & Sales (CP1)
- CP2 — Pub & Sales (CP2)
- CR — Roadside Stand (CR)
Look up a specific address in Richmond
Source: official Richmond zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026