Encyclopedia
Official Community Plan (OCP)
A local government's long-term plan for land use and growth.
For example: An owner checks the OCP to see future land-use designations. (Illustration only, not a real deal.)
Official source: Local Government Act (BC Laws)
Example only, not a real client. Say you are looking at land zoned for low-density use, but the official community plan shows it as future mixed-use. That signals the city may support rezoning, which could raise the land’s value. You still check the policies and timing before paying for that potential.
What I’d tell a friend
Read the community plan as well as the zoning. It shows where the city wants growth, but it does not promise approval.
Why it matters to you
It signals what the city wants on a site over time. A property that fits the plan is easier to rezone, which affects what land is worth, while one that doesn't fit may face a long and uncertain process.
How to use it in your deal
Owners and buyers should read the OCP land-use map and policies for the site and ask the planning department how they're applied. If your plan conflicts with the OCP, an amendment would be needed, which adds time, public hearings and risk. Check whether an OCP review is underway, since it can change the outlook.
Tenants should know that an OCP pointing toward redevelopment may mean landlords want demolition clauses. Lenders and appraisers may look at OCP direction when judging land value. Since 2024, provincial changes require many municipalities to update OCPs and zoning for housing needs, so check the latest version.
Mistakes I see
Assuming zoning and the OCP always match. Paying for potential the OCP doesn't support. Ignoring an OCP update in progress. Forgetting regional plans like Metro 2050.
In BC and Vancouver
The Local Government Act requires OCPs and sets how they're adopted. Vancouver works under the Vancouver Charter. Metro 2050 sets the regional framework.
Official sources: Local Government Act (BC Laws) · Metro 2050 (Metro Vancouver) · Zoning and Development By-law (City of Vancouver)
What it is
An official community plan sets out a municipality’s long-term vision for land use, growth, transportation and services.
Zoning sets current rules, while the plan guides future changes.
Using it
Check the land use designation for your property and any area plans that apply.
Rezoning still needs council approval and a public process, and the city may ask for contributions such as amenity costs. Talk to planning staff early, and do not pay full value for potential that may take years.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What does the OCP say about this site?
- Is the zoning consistent?
- Is a review underway?
- Would my plan need an amendment?
- What does the regional plan say?
Keep reading
Related terms: Zoning bylaw, Metro 2050
- Buying a commercial property in BC, step by step
- Commercial due diligence checklist for BC buyers
- Zoning, permits and licences for commercial space in Vancouver
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General information for British Columbia only. It isn’t legal, tax, accounting or financial advice, laws and rates change, and reading it doesn’t make you my client. Any numbers or scenarios are hypothetical. Check the linked official source and talk to a lawyer, accountant or other qualified professional before you act or sign anything. See the terms and disclaimer.