Zoning Reports & Verification Letters in Vancouver, British Columbia
How to request a zoning verification letter in Vancouver, British Columbia, what it costs and who to contact, plus ALTA zoning reports for any Vancouver, British Columbia property.
Scott Friedman
Have a property in Vancouver, British Columbia, a rush order or a portfolio? Scott can scope the right report and get a certified planner started right away.
How to get a zoning verification letter in Vancouver, British Columbia
- Use the city's "Request property research and copies of permits" page to choose the letter you need.
- Request a property research letter (comfort letter) for records on file for the address, which may include current zoning, approved use, outstanding orders, pending permits and business licence status.
- If you are not the owner, submit the owner/strata authorization form; without the owner's consent the information released is limited.
- Request an approved use letter instead if you only need to confirm the current approved use of a commercial or residential property.
- Document
- Property research letter (comfort letter); approved use letter
- Office
- City of Vancouver, property research and permit records
- How
- Request through the city
- Fee
- Not published on the request page
- Typical time
- Not published
- Official info
- City of Vancouver: Request property research and copies of permits
Zoning in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is zoned under its Zoning and Development By-law. On September 14, 2023, Council voted unanimously to let lots that had been limited to single-family homes or duplexes hold up to six strata units, or up to eight secured rental units on larger lots, and consolidated nine zones into one.
Did you know?
Vancouver's protected mountain view cones
In 1989 Vancouver replaced case-by-case review with a systematic policy of protected view corridors, so that views of the mountains to the north from key public spots cannot be blocked by buildings. Height limits are lowest near each cone's apex and rise with distance from it, while height and density rules apply between cones. The result encourages tall, slender towers and steers where they may go on a block.
City letter or ZoningWorx report?
A local zoning letter is often enough for a quick check. Lenders, title companies and counsel usually need more.
- Confirms the zoning district
- Issued on the government's timeline
- Format and detail vary
- Requested and followed up by you
- Delivered in as little as 24–48 hours
- Zoning, permitted uses, setbacks, height, parking
- Nonconforming status and right to rebuild
- ALTA 3.0 & 3.1 compliant; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accepted
- Certified to your lender, title company and counsel
More Canada city guides
Vancouver, British Columbia zoning questions
How do I get a zoning verification letter in Vancouver, British Columbia?
Use the city's "Request property research and copies of permits" page to choose the letter you need. Request a property research letter (comfort letter) for records on file for the address, which may include current zoning, approved use, outstanding orders, pending permits and business licence status. If you are not the owner, submit the owner/strata authorization form; without the owner's consent the information released is limited. Request an approved use letter instead if you only need to confirm the current approved use of a commercial or residential property.
How much does a zoning letter cost in Vancouver, British Columbia?
Vancouver, British Columbia does not publish a fee online, so confirm it with the City of Vancouver, property research and permit records. ZoningWorx can request it for you.
How long does it take to get a zoning letter in Vancouver, British Columbia?
Vancouver, British Columbia does not publish a turnaround time. ZoningWorx planners are available 24/7 and start on your order right away.
What type of zoning does Vancouver, British Columbia use?
Vancouver is zoned under its Zoning and Development By-law. On September 14, 2023, Council voted unanimously to let lots that had been limited to single-family homes or duplexes hold up to six strata units, or up to eight secured rental units on larger lots, and consolidated nine zones into one.
Sources
- City of Vancouver: Request property research and copies of permits
- City of Vancouver: Vancouver reforms single family neighbourhoods (2023)
- City of Vancouver: 2026 fee increases report