FSD Zoning in Vancouver - First Shaughnessy District
FSD: First Shaughnessy District is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to protect the distinct estate character of First Shaughnessy by conserving protected heritage property while allowing increased dwelling unit density with multiple conversion dwellings, infill, and secondary suites.
On a typical FSD-zoned lot you can expect up to 8 dwelling units, an FSR of roughly 0.25–0.5, a maximum height of 11.5 m (3 storeys), and site coverage up to 35%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Alongside housing, FSD also lists Child Day Care Facility, Church (existing as of March 8, 2016), and Community Care or Assisted Living Facility among its permitted uses.
Intent of the FSD district
The intent of this schedule is to protect the distinct estate character of First Shaughnessy by conserving protected heritage property while allowing increased dwelling unit density with multiple conversion dwellings, infill, and secondary suites. Multiple dwelling is only permitted on sites without protected heritage property
FSD at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 8 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.25–0.5 |
| Max height | 11.5 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 3 |
| Site coverage | 35% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in FSD
| Tier | Applies to | Min frontage (m) | Units / ha | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Conditional FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Shaughnessy District | All requirements vary significantly depending on the intent. Current values reflect multiple dwelling unit conversion on a site without a protected heritage property. If your property is desingated as a heritage your restrictions may vary. | - | - | - | 8 | 0.25 | 0.5 | 11.5 m |
Permitted uses in FSD
- Multiple Conversion Dwelling
- Multiple Dwelling (on a site without protected heritage property)
- Seniors Supportive or Independent Living Housing
- Single Detached House
- Single Detached House with Secondary Suite
- Child Day Care Facility
- Church (existing as of March 8, 2016)
- Community Care or Assisted Living Facility
- Group Residence
- Public Authority Use (essential in this district)
- General Office
- Retail Uses
- Farmers' Market
- Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
- Short Term Rental Accommodation
- Accessory Buildings (ancillary to any listed use)
- Accessory Uses (ancillary to any listed use)
- Deposition or extraction of material that alters land configuration
FSD zoning FAQ
What is FSD zoning in Vancouver?
FSD (First Shaughnessy District) is a residential zoning district in the City of Vancouver. The intent of this schedule is to protect the distinct estate character of First Shaughnessy by conserving protected heritage property while allowing increased dwelling unit density with multiple conversion dwellings, infill, and secondary suites.
What can you build on FSD-zoned land in Vancouver?
Permitted uses in FSD include Multiple Conversion Dwelling, Multiple Dwelling (on a site without protected heritage property), Seniors Supportive or Independent Living Housing, Single Detached House, Single Detached House with Secondary Suite, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for FSD in Vancouver?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in FSD generally ranges from about 0.25 up to 0.5. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in FSD?
FSD permits a maximum building height of 11.5 m, generally about 3 storeys. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in FSD zoning?
FSD allows up to 8 dwelling units on an eligible lot. Under the Province's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules, most standard residential lots in Vancouver now permit multiple units outright. The exact number depends on lot size and whether rental tenure is secured.
Other residential zones in Vancouver
- FM-1 - Fraser Mile
- R1-1 - Residential Inclusive
- R3-1 - Residential Low-Rise Apartment
- R3-2 - Residential Low-Rise Apartment (Rental)
- R3-3 - Residential Low-Rise Apartment
- R4-1 - Residential Mid-Rise Apartment
- R5-1 - Residential High-Rise Apartment
- R5-2 - Residential High-Rise Apartment (Rental)
Look up a specific address in Vancouver
Source: official Vancouver zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026