Comprehensive Plan

Our Vancouver 2026-2045 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Update

On June 1, 2026, the City Council adopted the Our Vancouver 2026-2045 Comprehensive Plan and updated Zoning Map and Code.

Our community is expected to grow by 81,000 people by 2045, which means we will need at least 38,000 more homes and 43,000 more jobs to help keep Vancouver livable and affordable for current and future residents. The newly adopted Plan and Code lay out how we will manage this future growth and development in a way that advances the community vision: 

• Vancouver is an equitable and prosperous community, which ensures that all residents, businesses, and organizations benefit from the growth and advancement we make together. 
• Vancouver will be recognized for our quality of life, as evidenced by affordable housing in vibrant, safe, and walkable neighborhoods, access to jobs and economic opportunity for all, and leading-edge efforts to address climate change.

The new plan and code are the results of a more than 3-year process. Many community members were involved and provided input at over 100 different meetings and events – Thank you!  Your ideas shaped the plan and code every step of the way. 

Key Links

• Our Vancouver 2026-2045 Comprehensive Plan - Final 
  • See how the City is planning for Vancouver’s growth and development over the next 20 years. 
  • Appendix list 
• Updated Zoning Code - Final 
  • See the regulations that influence what can be built where. 
  • Includes the updated Downtown Design Guidelines 
• Updated Zoning Map - Final 
  • Look up what kind of development is possible at different addresses across the city. 
  • A PDF version of the map is also available. 
• Our Vancouver Email Sign-up 
  • Sign up to get emails about plan and code implementation. 

What Happens Now?

The Plan and Code will go into effect on July 31, 2026. Until then, the 2011 Comprehensive Plan and existing zoning code continue to be in place. 

Because the Plan and Code are policy and regulatory updates, not a City-led development project, change will happen slowly over the next 20 years. City staff will begin implementing the Plan’s policies, and when property owners bring forward new projects, they will have to meet the rules in the updated zoning code. 

While the updated Plan establishes a vision through the year 2045, the City will make updates to the plan and code on a more frequent basis, including through the Annual Review Process. This allows us to be flexible and adapt to future changes and outcomes. 

Site Specific Zoning Designations

The updated Comprehensive Plan and zoning code designates new zoning districts for all properties throughout the city of Vancouver. The new zoning districts are intended to create a simpler, more flexible system with more options for property owners. They are also intended to meet new housing laws and needs, to provide a range of employment opportunities for the community as it grows, and to better link together different land uses so the things residents need and use regularly are available closer to where they live.

The online interactive map shows designations of new zoning districts for properties citywide and includes information about the new zoning districts.

If you have questions about a specific property or the Annual Review Process, please email OurVancouver2045@cityofvancouver.us.

Learn More and Stay Connected

• Sign-up for the email list and bookmark the Comprehensive Plan page on the City’s website to stay up to date on plan and code implementation. 
• Explore an overview of the plan and code, or check out the full plan and zoning code for more details. 
• Look up an address in the interactive zoning map 
• Check out the Be Heard page to: 
  • Get answers to frequently asked questions, look back on a timeline and past meetings and events, and review project documents. 
• Learn more about Comprehensive Plans and Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA) 

Questions?

• Email us at OurVancouver2045@cityofvancouver.us