PRC1: Parks, Recreation and Culture One

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

None: the zone allows no homes (s. 12.2.1)

Main uses

A nature park only: land kept for conservation and enjoying nature, with trails, boardwalks and the like (s. 12.2.1 and Part 5's definition); plus what every zone allows: institutional uses on the CS1 zone's rules, streets and railways, unattended utility buildings, nature sanctuaries, community gardens and temporary extreme-weather shelters (s. 6.1.1); one container of up to 30 m², screened from streets (s. 6.2.1.9)

Smallest lot for a subdivision

None set: Part 12 sets no smallest lot for the zone

Lot coverage

20% (s. 12.4)

Height limit

None set in the zone: Part 12 gives no height limit, so what limits a building here is unclear; ask the City

Setbacks

None: 0 m from every lot line (s. 12.3.1); Part 6's watercourse setbacks still apply

The zone is for conserving and enjoying natural spaces in City parks, with recreation and education that suit the park's natural features (s. 12.1).

Short-term rental isn't listed in the zone, and with no homes allowed there is none to rent (our reading; ss. 6.16, 12.2.1).

With no homes and no height or lot rules of its own, the zone isn't meant for building lots: land zoned PRC1 is most often a City park (our reading).

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