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Thetis Island Land Use Bylaw, 2011 (Bylaw No. 89)
The Thetis Island Local Trust Committee's land use bylaw, which applies in Cowichan Valley, Electoral Area G. Our summary of its 2 rural residential and rural zones, read from the consolidation to 2023-04-18 and checked 2026-10-11. Its other zones aren't summarised here.
The zones side by side
| Zone | Homes allowed | Smallest lot for a subdivision | Lot coverage | Height limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 Rural Residential | One house and one guest cottage per lot (s. 5.3(a), (b)); the cottage only on a lot of 0.8 ha or more, and on a lot under 1.6 ha only for occasional stays, not as anyone's residence (s. 5.1(e)); no secondary suite (our reading) | 0.8 ha (s. 5.5(a)) | 35% (s. 5.3(g)) | 11 m for all buildings and structures (s. 5.4(a)) |
| R2 Rural | One home on a lot under 8 ha (s. 5.3(c)); on 8 ha or more, one home for each full 4 ha if the owner grants a covenant against subdividing the lot, else one (s. 5.3(d)); one guest cottage on a lot of 0.8 to 8 ha, and one per home on 8 ha or more (s. 5.3(e), (f)); no secondary suite (our reading) | 2 ha, and 4 ha on average (s. 5.5) | 10% (s. 5.3(g)) | 11 m for all buildings and structures (s. 5.4(a)) |
"Not set" means the zone itself sets no figure; general rules elsewhere in the bylaw may still apply. Each zone's page has its uses, setbacks and the general rules that apply to it.
Where the bylaw is unclear
Points we couldn't settle from the bylaw's text. Ask before you rely on them.
- R1: Short-term rental (s. 2.3.5 and its definition in s. 1.1: renting a guest cottage for under 30 days) is allowed in the R-2 zone only, so not here. The bylaw doesn't say whether the house itself may be rented by the night; that's unclear, so ask the Islands Trust.
- R2: Short-term rental (s. 2.3.5 and its definition in s. 1.1): a guest cottage may be rented for under 30 days as a home occupation, only on a lot with both a house and a cottage, and only while the operator lives in the house. The bylaw doesn't say whether the house itself may be rented by the night; that's unclear, so ask the Islands Trust.
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 Islands Trust's office for the island before you buy or build.
Source: Thetis Island Land Use Bylaw, 2011 (Bylaw No. 89) (summarised in our words); zone map: Open Government Licence – Islands Trust.