P1a: Parks, Open Spaces and Natural Areas (natural areas)

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

None: the sub-district lists no homes (s. 5.1.2.2)

Main uses

Natural areas and parks; secondary civic facilities, an emergency shelter and parking; accessory research tied to a feature on the site, utilities and accessory buildings (ss. 5.1.2.2, 5.1.3)

Smallest lot for a subdivision

None set in the district

Lot coverage

None set in the district, nor a share of permeable surface (Part 4-4.3)

Height limit

Not limited (s. 5.1.4; the table names P1, which we read as covering its sub-district too)

Setbacks

6.0 m from every lot line (s. 5.1.4; read as for P1)

Most land in this district is ravines, waterways, forest and other natural areas the City keeps for the environment and wildlife, with public access sometimes limited, so a lot here is rarely for sale (our reading); ask the City what a lot here may be used for before you buy.

The sub-district is to keep natural areas important for the environment or wildlife (s. 5.1.1).

No homes, so no secondary suite, boarders, home occupation or short-term rental (our reading).

Uses the district doesn't list aren't allowed (Part 1, s. 4.1), besides transit, public utilities, civic facilities and public parks, allowed everywhere (Part 6-1.4).

Parts 4 (general regulations), 6 (use-specific regulations) and 7 (parking) of the bylaw also apply.

Site-specific exceptions listed in the bylaw by legal description can add or change uses for one property, and development permit areas, the ALR and building rules apply on top. Confirm with the City of Burnaby's planning department before you buy or build.

Source: Part 3, Section 5.1 of Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026, No. 14815 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-05); zone map: Open Government Licence – Burnaby.