Official Community Plan Targeted Update
Richmond's Official Community Plan (OCP) sets the long-range vision for how the city plans to grow and change. Last updated in 2012, the City is updating key areas of its OCP to better meet the needs of the community over the next 25 years. The update focuses on housing, climate, equity and the environment with an emphasis on directing growth where it can benefit the community most, including transit-oriented villages that contribute to more complete, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods.
In addition, the OCP update must address new legislation enacted by the Province that alters how municipalities, including Richmond, must plan for the future. Learn more about the Provincial Housing Legislation Changes.
Latest News
At the Monday, February 9, 2026 meeting, City Council adopted the updated Richmond 2050 OCP Bylaw including updated policies regarding transit-oriented development, housing and environmentally sensitive areas.
Additional OCP updates concerning community equity, climate response, and environmental protection and enhancement are targeted for consideration by City Council and the public in mid- and late-2026.
Further updates will be posted on our website and social media channels as they become available.
Related Documents Excerpts from the report's attachments (as adopted, but excluding changes made by Council prior to first reading of the bylaw):- 2050 OCP Land Use Map
- Section 1.0 - A More Complete, Inclusive and Sustainable Community
- Section 3.0 - Neighbourhoods and Housing (including detailed descriptions of the 2050 OCP's five proposed Neighbourhood Types)
- Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Map, ESA Development Permit Exemptions, Objectives and Guidelines
How Richmond May Change
The February 9, 2026, OCP update addresses the following:- Compact Transit-Oriented Development - New opportunities are provided inside and outside City Centre for diverse housing options near transit, shopping and amenities with the aim of improving residents' access to their daily needs, supporting more walkable, accessible and equitable neighbourhoods, and reducing car dependence and pressure on lands needed for jobs, farming and nature.
- More Housing Options - New housing choices are encouraged, particularly including low-rise apartment buildings and townhouses along arterial roads and increased opportunities for market and below-market housing across the city.
- New Neighbourhood Types - Conventional land use types (e.g., apartment) are replaced with five "neighbourhood types" (e.g., Local Villages) that aim to make the form and scale of new development more predictable and complementary to existing neighbours, while supporting new rental and below-market housing opportunities.
- Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) - Improvements to Richmond's ESA Map and guidelines provide for greater accuracy and protection and enhancement of sensitive areas, while taking into consideration certain park and agricultural activities.
Prior Staff Reports and Public Engagement
- February 7, 2022 - Proposed scope and process
- August 12, 2024 - Phase One public engagement overview
- February 3, 2025 - Phase One public engagement summary and next steps
- March 24, 2025 - Proposed Update to the ESA Map
- May 5, 2025 - Proposed strategic policy directions
- August 11, 2025 - Phase Two Public Engagement Summary and Next Steps
- November 19, 2025 - Update to Land Use Map, Housing Affordability Policies, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, and Regional Context Statement
- Visit Let's Talk Richmond OCP Update Phase 1 and Phase 2 for previous community engagement details; event resources, and public feedback.
Contact our staff by email at:CommunityPlanning@richmond.ca