COR1: Residential Corridor

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

Multi-family buildings, houses, live/work units and seniors' congregate housing, within the floor area allowed (s. 9.2.1). On a lot under 2,000 m² in the Interim Corridor Area (Schedule A's map, which we don't read), only one house, on R1's rules (s. 9.8)

Main uses

Homes (multi-family, houses, live/work, seniors' congregate housing), offices up to 1,000 m² (on the ground floor in a mixed building), artists' studios, assembly halls, daycare, a hotel, personal care facilities, religious institutions, electric vehicle charging, boarders, short-term rental; a gas station, liquor store or student housing only on lots the bylaw names (ss. 9.2.1, 9.2.3, 9.2.4)

Smallest lot for a subdivision

850 m², 18 m wide (15 m with a lane), 30 m deep (s. 9.4.1)

Lot coverage

60%; floor area 1.00 times the lot area, up to 0.50 more for amenities under Schedule D, and more again for parking under the building (ss. 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.7.1)

Height limit

14 m, or 18 m with at least 75% of the parking under the building; at least 2 storeys above grade (s. 9.7.1)

Setbacks

Front at least 3.5 m and at most 6 m (most of the front face within it), sides 1.5 m and 3 m, flanking side 4.5 m, rear 7.5 m; 2.5 m more beside a major road not yet widened; no parking between the street and the building's front (ss. 9.5.1, 9.5.3 to 9.5.5, 9.6.1)

The zone is for street-facing, medium-density homes and offices along or near major roads (s. 9.1).

A lot under 2,000 m² in the Interim Corridor Area keeps one house on R1's setbacks, coverage and height, with parking allowed in front (s. 9.8.2). Whether a lot is in it is on the bylaw's Schedule A: ask the City.

The extra floor area for amenities is granted through the development permit (s. 9.3.1).

Short-term rental (stays under 30 days) only in the operator's own primary residence, the whole home or rooms; one per lot where the home has suites (s. 6.16).

Part 6 (general regulations: accessory buildings, watercourse setbacks, flood levels, fences, home businesses) also applies.

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 Nanaimo's planning and development department before you buy or build.

Source: Part 9 of City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw No. 4500 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-04); zone map: Open Government Licence – Nanaimo.