C-2 Zoning in Vancouver — Commercial
C-2 — Commercial is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for a wide range of commercial uses serving both local and city- wide needs, as well as dwelling uses along arterial streets
On a typical C-2-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.75–3.5 and a maximum height of 22 m (6 storeys). The upper end of the density range is a bonus that is unlocked only where secured rental or below-market housing is provided. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the C-2 district
The intent of this schedule is to provide for a wide range of commercial uses serving both local and city- wide needs, as well as dwelling uses along arterial streets
C-2 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.75–3.5 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 22 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 6 |
| Zone category | Commercial |
Density tiers in C-2
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 1672 m² | — | 3.5 | 22 m |
| Commercial | — | — | 2.5 | 22 m |
Permitted uses in C-2
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Multiple Dwelling
- Principal Dwelling Unit with Lock-Off Unit
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Urban Farm - Class B
- Arcade
- Artist Studio
- Billiard Hall
- Club
- Community Centre
- Hall
- Theatre
- Zoo/Botanical Garden
- Ambulance Station
- Child Day Care
- Church
- Community Care - Class B
- Detoxification Centre
- Group Residence
- Hospital
- School - all types
- Social Service Centre
- Jewellery Manufacturing
- Printing/Publishing
- Health Enhancement Centre
- Cannabis Store
- Farmers' Market
- Furniture/Appliance Store
- Gasoline Station
- Grocery w/Liquor
- Liquor Store
- Pawnshop
- Secondhand Store
- Small-Scale Pharmacy
- Vehicle Dealer
- Animal Clinic/Shelter
- Animal Services
- Cabaret
- Drive-Through
- Funeral Home
- Hotel
- Motor Vehicle Repair/Wash
- Neighbourhood Public House
- Repair Shop - Class A
- Restaurant - Class 2
- School - Arts/Vocational
- Short Term Rental
- Sign Painting
- Wedding Chapel
- Wholesale uses
- Recycling Depot
- Public Utility
C-2 zoning FAQ
What is C-2 zoning in Vancouver?
C-2 (Commercial) is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for a wide range of commercial uses serving both local and city- wide needs, as well as dwelling uses along arterial streets
What can you build on C-2-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in C-2 include Mixed-Use Residential Building, Multiple Dwelling, Principal Dwelling Unit with Lock-Off Unit, Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Urban Farm - Class B, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for C-2 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in C-2 generally ranges from about 0.75 up to 3.5. The higher figure is a density bonus tied to securing rental or below-market housing. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in C-2?
C-2 permits a maximum building height of 22 m, generally about 6 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other commercial zones in Vancouver
- C-1 — Local 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