R1-BM: Bell McKinnon Residential Rural

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

Two homes in one residential building, such as a duplex; floor space ratio at most 0.5 (s. 56.2(4)). The zone's use list names no secondary suite, so whether a house may hold one is unclear: ask the Municipality

Main uses

Houses, duplexes, modular homes, farming with limited farm sales, bed and breakfast, home-based business, and in a house assisted living, supportive housing or a community care facility (s. 56.2(1))

Smallest lot for a subdivision

2 ha, with 30 m of frontage (s. 56.2(2), (3))

Lot coverage

30% (s. 56.2(5))

Height limit

9 m; accessory buildings 5 m (s. 56.2(7))

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 (s. 56.2(6), (6.1))

The zone is for houses on large rural lots of 2 ha and more in the Bell McKinnon area (its name; our reading).

Bed and breakfast: up to six guest rooms (s. 56.2(8)(a)).

Assisted living, supportive housing and community care: up to ten residents including staff, in a house only, with health permits for the septic system where there is no municipal sewer; one lot the bylaw names may have up to 20 residents in assisted living (s. 56.2(8)(b), (d)).

Limited farm sales: at least half of what is sold grown on the land, under 100 m² of covered sales area, and clearly secondary to the farm (s. 56.2(8)(c)).

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 56.2 of Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-06); zone map: Open Government Licence – Municipality of North Cowichan.