We are highlighting individual zoning codes to make zoning in Metro Vancouver more accessible to the public! This week features CD-1 (1) in Vancouver, a Comprehensive Development also known as Oakridge Centre.
Oakridge is the first Comprehensive Development (CD) found in the city zoning code. CDs are unique site-specific zones that are created to usually allow different land uses than what surrounds it. Unlike a regular residential, industrial or commercial zone, they require negotiation between the municipality and developer(s) to decide how the site will be arranged and built. You may have seen an empty lot or building with a “Rezoning Application” sign. This is often a CD zone! CD zones require a public hearing. You can help shape a development by attending and speaking at these public hearings or submitting petitions and comments online! CDs are increasingly used to create mixed-use areas (mixture of residential, commercial, etc.) to diversify single zone regions.
This is important to note as Oakridge undergoes redevelopment. Since its inception in 1956, the code has changed and been amended significantly as the mall and surrounding areas have changed. There have been 8 amendments, most recently from this June where new (and significantly lower) parking minimums were added, to facilitate the higher density being built over the old mall. Some other quirks to Oakridge’s CD zone include what horizontal angles of daylight for “habitable” rooms are, as well as specific acoustics regulations for each dwelling in the redevelopment.
Click here to read the full text of this zoning code: https://cd1-bylaws.vancouver.ca/cd-1(001).PDF
Click here to see the current zoning map of Metro Vancouver, highlighting CD zones across the Metro Region: https://mountainmath.ca/zoning_map
Stay tuned for next featured zone!
note: this post authored by Research Team, lead Max Kittner