C-5 Zoning in Vancouver — West End
C-5 — West End is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for retail and services uses and forms of development compatible with the primarily residential character of the West End, and to provide for dwelling units in C-5A and C-6 designed to be compatible with commercial uses.
On a typical C-5-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of about 2.2 and a maximum height of 18.3 m. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development — look up your specific address to confirm.
Intent of the C-5 district
The intent of this schedule is to provide for retail and services uses and forms of development compatible with the primarily residential character of the West End, and to provide for dwelling units in C-5A and C-6 designed to be compatible with commercial uses.
C-5 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 2.2 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 18.3 m |
| Zone category | Commercial |
Density tiers in C-5
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West End | — | — | 2.2 | 18.3 m |
Permitted uses in C-5
- Mixed-Use Residential Building
- Multiple Dwelling
- Seniors Supportive/Independent Living
- Institutional uses
- Entertainment uses
- Manufacturing uses
- Wholesale uses
- Public Utility
C-5 zoning FAQ
What is C-5 zoning in Vancouver?
C-5 (West End) is a commercial zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to provide for retail and services uses and forms of development compatible with the primarily residential character of the West End, and to provide for dwelling units in C-5A and C-6 designed to be compatible with commercial uses.
What can you build on C-5-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in C-5 include Mixed-Use Residential Building, Multiple Dwelling, Seniors Supportive/Independent Living, Institutional uses, Entertainment uses, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for C-5 in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in C-5 is about 2.2. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in C-5?
C-5 permits a maximum building height of 18.3 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-3A — Commercial
- C-5A — West End
Look up a specific address in Vancouver
Source: official Vancouver zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated August 2026