As part of the City’s broader approach to increasing childcare spaces across Vancouver, City Council has approved zoning amendments to expand opportunities for operators running childcare businesses from their residential property. 

“This approval makes a practical, modest adjustment to existing rules that can help unlock new childcare spaces where they’re needed most — right in our neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “It helps grow childcare capacity, supports operators and balances local housing needs while also maintaining neighbourhood character.” 

What’s changing

The zoning amendments will allow a licensed childcare facility for more than eight children and one home to co-locate on the same residential property, as long as the childcare is in a separate unit with its own entrance and no internal connection. Previous zoning rules did not allow a group childcare (more than eight children) to co-locate with a residential unit on the same site.  

Childcares serving eight or fewer children are not impacted by this change as those operators may already live in the same dwelling where care is provided.   

These zoning amendments do not change existing safety or licensing requirements. All childcare facilities must continue to meet all building safety standards under the Vancouver Building By-law and Provincial childcare licensing regulations.