PlaceDossier / Zoning / Municipality of North Cowichan
Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950
The Municipality of North Cowichan's zoning bylaw, which applies in North Cowichan. Our summary of its 5 residential and rural zones, read from the consolidation to 2026-09-14 and checked 2026-10-05. Its other zones aren't summarised here.
The zones side by side
| Zone | Homes allowed | Smallest lot for a subdivision | Lot coverage | Height limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R3 Residential One and Two-Family | Up to four homes on a lot of 280 m² to 4,050 m² (three on a smaller lot, two on a larger one), in one residential building, or a house (with or without a secondary suite) and one detached accessory home (s. 58(4)) | 670 m², with 18 m of frontage (s. 58(2), (3)); 450 m² and 15 m on eleven lots the bylaw names (s. 58(9)) | 30% on lots of 650 m² or more, 35% on smaller lots; with three or more homes or a detached accessory home, 35%, 40% on lots of 500 to 650 m², 45% on 500 m² or less (s. 58(5)) | 9 m; accessory buildings 5 m |
| R1 Residential Rural | Two homes in one residential building (a house with a suite, s. 56(4)(a)); floor area up to half the lot area (s. 56(4)(c))Exceptions (2)
Listed in s. 56(4)(d)-(u), 56(8)(j) of the bylaw. | 1,675 m², with 30 m of frontage (s. 56(2), (3)) | 30% | 9 m; accessory buildings 5 m |
| A2 Rural | 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. 52(4))Exceptions (1)
Listed in s. 52(4)(f)-(m) of the bylaw. | 2 ha, with 75 m of frontage (s. 52(2), (3)) | 10% | 9 m for buildings with homes; farm buildings under the farm building code |
| R2 Residential Restricted | Up to four homes on a lot of 280 m² to 4,050 m² (three on a smaller lot, two on a larger one), in one residential building, or a house (with or without a secondary suite) and one detached accessory home (s. 57(4)) | 890 m², with 21 m of frontage (s. 57(2), (3)) | 30% with one building of up to two homes; 35% with three or more homes or a detached accessory home (s. 57(5)) | 9 m; accessory buildings 5 m |
| A3 Rural Restricted | 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)
Listed in s. 53(4)(f)-(i) of the bylaw. | 8,000 m², with 60 m of frontage (s. 53(2), (3)) | 30% | 9 m for buildings with homes; farm buildings under the farm building code |
"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, A2, A3: 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.
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: Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (summarised in our words); zone map: Open Government Licence – Municipality of North Cowichan.