A3: Rural Restricted

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

Two homes in one residential building; on a lot of 2 ha or more, two homes in up to two buildings, the smaller an accessory home of up to 90 m² (or the size of a home authorized before September 21, 2022 that it replaces) (s. 53(4))

Exceptions (1)

• Two homes in two buildings on lots under 2 ha, some with a size limit on the smaller one, on about 18 lots the bylaw names

Listed in s. 53(4)(f)-(i) of the bylaw.

Main uses

Farming, agricultural storage, greenhouses, houses and modular homes, bed and breakfast, home-based business, and in a house assisted living, supportive housing or a community care facility

Smallest lot for a subdivision

8,000 m², with 60 m of frontage (s. 53(2), (3))

Lot coverage

30%

Height limit

9 m for buildings with homes; farm buildings under the farm building code

Setbacks

Houses: front 6 m, sides 3 m, rear 8 m; other main buildings 25 m from the front, 15 m from the sides and rear; accessory buildings 8 m from the front and rear, 3 m from the sides

The zone is for homes and small-scale farming on rural lots of about 2 acres and more.

A detached accessory home or a duplex needs a covenant against strata titling registered before the building permit, unless it was authorized before September 21, 2022 or a building strata already exists (s. 53(4)(c), (d)).

The consolidation marks two-family dwelling "[Repealed. BL4016]" in this zone's use list while its density rules still speak of one; whether a new duplex is allowed is unclear, so ask the Municipality.

Bed and breakfast: up to six guest rooms (s. 53(8)(d)).

Assisted living, supportive housing and community care: up to ten residents including staff, in a house only, with the Agricultural Land Commission's approval in the ALR and health permits for the septic system (s. 53(8)(g)).

Limited farm sales: at least half of what is sold grown on the land, under 100 m² of covered sales area (s. 53(8)(e)).

Short-term rental isn't a use this zone lists; ask the Municipality of North Cowichan before renting a home short term.

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 North Cowichan's planning department before you buy or build.

Source: Section 53 of Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-05); zone map: Open Government Licence – Municipality of North Cowichan.