RL-1: Low-Density Residential

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

Up to four homes on a lot over 280 m², three on a smaller one, at most four in a building; a home built on its own up to 325 m² (s. 2.2.1(4))

Main uses

Homes in any ground-oriented form (houses, duplexes, small multi-unit buildings), accessory buildings, home occupation, short-term rental; no docks, piers or wharves

Smallest lot for a subdivision

280 m², 25 m deep, 10 to 15 m wide by corner and lane (s. 2.2.1(8))

Exceptions (1)

• 8 ha for three lots on Reed Road the bylaw names

Listed in s. 2.2.1(8.7) of the bylaw.

Lot coverage

50%

Height limit

8.5 m; 6.5 m within 7.5 m of the rear lot line; a building at most 20 m long

Setbacks

Front 5 m (5 m from North Road), rear 3.5 m (1.5 m on a lane), sides 1.5 m, 3 m beside a street

The zone is for low-density, ground-oriented homes at a scale that fits Gibsons's heritage buildings (s. 2.2.1(1)).

Short-term rental (s. 3.7.4): in the operator's principal residence; a whole home while the operator is away only three months a year, up to two bedrooms year-round while they're home; a Town business licence and a parking plan. The section also caps homes rented short term that aren't the operator's principal residence at 35 in town (s. 3.7.4(1.8)), which reads against the residence rule; ask the Town.

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 Town of Gibsons' planning department before you buy or build.

Source: Section 2.2.1 of Zoning Bylaw No. 1342, 2025 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-05); zone map: Open Government Licence – Town of Gibsons.