W1: Waterfront

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

None: the zone allows no homes (s. 15.3.1)

Main uses

Public waterfront uses only: floats and wharves, piers and walkways, and canoe and kayak rental in a building of up to 70 m² (s. 15.2.1); plus what every zone allows: institutional uses on the CS1 zone's rules, streets and railways, unattended utility buildings, nature parks and sanctuaries, community gardens and temporary extreme-weather shelters (s. 6.1.1)

Smallest lot for a subdivision

None set: the zone sets no smallest lot, width or depth (s. 15.4)

Lot coverage

20% (s. 15.6.1)

Height limit

4.5 m (s. 15.6.1)

Setbacks

Front 4.5 m, flanking side 1.5 m, rear 4 m, no side yard set; 2.5 m more at the front and flanking side beside a major road not yet widened; Part 6's leave strips from watercourses and the sea also apply (ss. 15.5.1 to 15.5.3)

The zone is for public access to the waterfront and enjoying the City's marine environment (s. 15.1).

Short-term rental isn't listed in the zone, and with no homes allowed there is none to rent (our reading; ss. 15.2.2, 15.3.1).

With no homes and only small buildings allowed, land zoned W1 is most often a public walkway, park or foreshore rather than a building lot (our reading); ask the City what a lot here may be used for before you buy.

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 15 of City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw No. 4500 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-06); zone map: Open Government Licence – Nanaimo.