Land Use Policies, Plans and Rules

UBC’s community and its physical environment are shaped by land use policies, plans and guidelines. These documents provide the roadmap for the development of academic buildings, student housing, neighbourhood housing, recreation facilities, child care centres, and other services, along with commercial spaces and outdoor spaces.

Our policies and plans look out for the long-term interests of the university, our community and the environment. They outline where, how much, and what type of buildings, outdoor spaces and transportation the university will provide.

Are you a developer, builder or renovator? Visit the Permits and Business Licenses section of the website to learn more about the regulatory process. 

Vision for the Campus

Campus Vision 2050 is an ambitious, long-range plan for how UBC's Vancouver campus will change and grow to support the needs of the university, its students, residents, staff, and Musqueam.

UBC Land Use Plan

UBC’s Land Use Plan establishes generalized land uses and development policies for the Vancouver campus. It is the guide for all of UBC’s academic and residential development, providing the policy direction and regulations for building a complete, sustainable university community.

Vancouver Campus Plan

The Vancouver Campus Plan provides the framework for where and how future academic and research activities, student housing and services will be accommodated at UBC’s main campus in Vancouver.

UBC Neighbourhood Planning

These plans describe the vision for each unique neighborhood and include design guidelines for things like housing, open spaces and sustainability.

Land Use Governance and Rules

The University Act gives the UBC Board of Governors the power to manage, make rules and regulate UBC’s land. UBC’s Policy UP12 sets out the authority to manage the implementation, enforcement and administration of the Land Use Rules, Plans and Guidelines.