C-1 Zoning in Vancouver — Local Commercial
C-1 — Local Commercial is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for small-scale convenience commercial establishments, catering typically to the needs of a local neighbourhood and consisting primarily of retail sales and limited service functions, and to provide for dwelling uses designed to be compatible with commercial uses.
On a typical C-1-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of about 1.2 and a maximum height of 9.2 m. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the C-1 district
The intent of this schedule is to provide for small-scale convenience commercial establishments, catering typically to the needs of a local neighbourhood and consisting primarily of retail sales and limited service functions, and to provide for dwelling uses designed to be compatible with commercial uses.
C-1 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.2 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 9.2 m |
| Zone category | Commercial |
Density tiers in C-1
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Commercial | — | — | 1.2 | 9.2 m |
Permitted uses in C-1
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Urban Farm - Class B
- Arcade
- Artist Studio
- Billiard Hall
- Bowling Alley
- Club
- Community Centre
- Fitness Centre
- Library
- Rink
- Swimming Pool
- Child Day Care
- Church
- Community Care - Class B
- Group Residence
- Hospital
- Public Authority
- School
- Social Service Centre
- Financial Institution
- Health Care Office
- Health Enhancement Centre
- Cannabis Store
- Farmers' Market
- Gasoline Station
- Grocery w/Liquor
- Liquor Store
- Pawnshop
- Secondhand Store
- Small-Scale Pharmacy
- Bed & Breakfast
- Neighbourhood Public House
- Print Shop
- Restaurant - Class 2
- Short Term Rental
- Public Utility
- Radiocommunication Station
- Recycling Depot
C-1 zoning FAQ
What is C-1 zoning in Vancouver?
C-1 (Local Commercial) is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for small-scale convenience commercial establishments, catering typically to the needs of a local neighbourhood and consisting primarily of retail sales and limited service functions, and to provide for dwelling uses designed to be compatible with commercial uses.
What can you build on C-1-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in C-1 include Mixed-Use Residential Building, Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Urban Farm - Class B, Arcade, Artist Studio, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for C-1 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in C-1 is about 1.2. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in C-1?
C-1 permits a maximum building height of 9.2 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other commercial zones in Vancouver
- C-2 — Commercial
- C-2A — Commercial
- C-2B — Commercial
- C-2C — Commercial
- C-2C1 — Commercial
- C-3A — Commercial
- C-5 — West End
- C-5A — West End
Look up a specific address in Vancouver
Source: official Vancouver zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026