C-3A Zoning in Vancouver — Commercial
C-3A — Commercial is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for a wide range of goods and services, to maintain commercial activities, specialized services and some light manufacturing uses while preserving the character and general amenity of the area and its immediate surroundings, and to provide for dwelling uses compatible with commercial uses.
On a typical C-3A-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 1.0–3.0 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-3A district
The intent of this schedule is to provide for a wide range of goods and services, to maintain commercial activities, specialized services and some light manufacturing uses while preserving the character and general amenity of the area and its immediate surroundings, and to provide for dwelling uses compatible with commercial uses.
C-3A at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 1.0–3.0 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 9.2 m |
| Zone category | Commercial |
Density tiers in C-3A
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | — | — | 3.0 | 9.2 m |
Permitted uses in C-3A
- 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
- Bingo Hall
- Casino - Class 1
- Zoo/Botanical Garden
- Ambulance Station
- Child Day Care
- Church
- Community Care - Class B
- Detoxification Centre
- Group Residence
- Hospital
- School - all types
- Social Service Centre
- Clothing/Dairy/Food/Ice/Jewellery/Misc/Printing/Textile Manufacturing
- Health Enhancement Centre
- Cannabis Store
- Farmers' Market
- Gasoline Station
- Grocery w/Liquor
- Liquor Store
- Pawnshop
- Vehicle Dealer
- Animal Clinic/Shelter
- Cabaret
- Drive-Through
- Funeral Home
- Hotel
- Motor Vehicle Repair/Wash
- Neighbourhood Public House
- Repair Shop - Class A
- Restaurant - Class 2
- Short Term Rental
- Wholesaling
- Public Utility
C-3A zoning FAQ
What is C-3A zoning in Vancouver?
C-3A (Commercial) is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for a wide range of goods and services, to maintain commercial activities, specialized services and some light manufacturing uses while preserving the character and general amenity of the area and its immediate surroundings, and to provide for dwelling uses compatible with commercial uses.
What can you build on C-3A-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in C-3A 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-3A in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in C-3A generally ranges from about 1.0 up to 3.0. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in C-3A?
C-3A 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-1 — Local Commercial
- C-2 — Commercial
- C-2A — Commercial
- C-2B — Commercial
- C-2C — Commercial
- C-2C1 — 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