R1: Residential Rural

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

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)

• Two homes in two buildings on about 20 lots the bylaw names, four of them with the smaller home under 90 m², one under 107 m²
• Apartments on one named lot

Listed in s. 56(4)(d)-(u), 56(8)(j) of the bylaw.

Main uses

Houses, farming, 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

1,675 m², with 30 m of frontage (s. 56(2), (3))

Lot coverage

30%

Height limit

9 m; accessory buildings 5 m

Setbacks

Front 6 m, sides 3 m, rear 8 m; accessory buildings 6 m from the front, 3 m from the sides and rear; a garage or carport door 5.8 m from a road other than a lane

The zone is for houses on large semi-rural lots, often on well and septic: a care facility needs health permits for its septic system where there is no municipal sewer (s. 56(8)(f)).

The consolidation marks two-family dwelling "[Repealed.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. 56(8)(d)).

Limited farm sales: at least half of what is sold grown on the land, under 100 m² of covered sales area (s. 56(8)(g)).

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