Amendment to Development Handbook, Development & Building Regulations and Business License Regulations

The UBC Development Handbook outlines land use regulations for development in UBC’s neighbourhoods ensuring development aligns with UBC's vision, policies, and sustainability goals.  

Key updates:

• The Wesbrook Place Neighbourhood Plan amendment, approved by the UBC Board of Governors in June 2025, expands the neighbourhood to include a new area: Wesbrook Place South. The proposed updates to the Development Handbook provide planning regulations for this new area.  
• Updated requirements for the replacement and protection of trees to meet UBC’s target for a net gain in tree canopy cover by 2050, compared to the current coverage of 36% (see UBC Land Use Plan). This target supports the Metro Vancouver target of 40% tree canopy cover in urban areas.
• Updates to vehicle parking requirements for both commercial and residential uses to right-size supply at the time of development, so that parking is neither under- nor over-supplied, as sustainable transportation options like transit increase over time.
• Updates to bicycle parking requirements to ensure alignment with the latest version of UBC’s Residential Environmental Assessment Program (see REAP 4.0), such as accommodating for cargo bikes and e-bikes.  

Download the draft Development Handbook showing the proposed changes. 

Submit your comments via the form below: 

UBC’s Development & Building Regulations set out regulations for the design and construction of institutional and residential buildings, structures and open spaces for the Vancouver campus and surrounding neighbourhoods. The regulations include the management of the development review process, permit requirements for building and construction activities, and permit costs.

Key update:

• 20% increase in building and development permit fees to keep pace with growing costs and continue providing efficient approvals, such as allowing for digital permit submissions. Permit fees have been benchmarked to local jurisdictions, and UBC’s proposed fees remain significantly below regional comparators.

Download the draft Development & Building Regulations showing the proposed changes.

Submit your comments via the form below:

UBC’s Business License Regulations set out requirements for conducting a commercial or home business in UBC’s neighbourhoods.

Key update:  

• 20% increase in business license fees to continue providing efficient regulatory services, to reflect updates to the Wesbrook Place Neighbourhood Plan (which include a new commercial area) and to allow for more types of commercial uses. Business license fees have been benchmarked to local jurisdictions, and UBC’s proposed fees remain significantly below regional comparators.

Download the draft Business License Regulations showing the proposed changes.

Submit your comments via the form below: