C-2A Zoning in Vancouver — Commercial
C-2A — 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 in commercial and mixed-use residential buildings.
On a typical C-2A-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 2.5–3.5 and a maximum height of 23 m. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the C-2A district
The intent of this schedule is to provide for a wide range of commercial uses serving both local and city-wide needs in commercial and mixed-use residential buildings. This schedule emphasizes building design that promotes compatibility among uses, ensures liveability, limits impact on adjacent residential sites, and contributes to pedestrian interest and amenity. In addition, this schedule encourages mixed-use residential buildings that contain secure rental housing by including provisions for residential rental tenure buildings.
C-2A at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 2.5–3.5 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 23 m |
| Zone category | Commercial |
Density tiers in C-2A
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | — | — | 3.5 | 23 m |
Permitted uses in C-2A
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Retail Store
- General Office
- Restaurant
- Hotel
- Service uses
- Arcade
- Artist Studio - Class A and B
- Arts and Culture Event
- Billiard Hall
- Bowling Alley
- Club
- Community Centre or Neighbourhood House
- Fitness Centre
- Hall
- Library
- Museum or Archives
- Park or Playground
- Rink
- Swimming Pool
- Theatre
- Zoo or Botanical Garden
- Urban Farm - Class B
- Duplex (existing as of enactment)
- Community Care or Assisted Living Facility - Class A (regulated by R1-1)
C-2A zoning FAQ
What is C-2A zoning in Vancouver?
C-2A (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 in commercial and mixed-use residential buildings.
What can you build on C-2A-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in C-2A include Mixed-Use Residential Building, Retail Store, General Office, Restaurant, Hotel, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for C-2A in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in C-2A generally ranges from about 2.5 up to 3.5. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in C-2A?
C-2A permits a maximum building height of 23 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other commercial zones in Vancouver
- C-1 — Local Commercial
- C-2 — 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