R2: Residential Restricted

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

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))

Main uses

Houses, duplexes and small multi-family buildings, secondary suites and detached accessory homes; bed and breakfast, home-based business, and in a house assisted living, supportive housing or a community care facility for up to three residents

Smallest lot for a subdivision

890 m², with 21 m of frontage (s. 57(2), (3))

Lot coverage

30% with one building of up to two homes; 35% with three or more homes or a detached accessory home (s. 57(5))

Height limit

9 m; accessory buildings 5 m

Setbacks

Front 6 m, rear 8 m, sides 1.5 m (3 m beside a lane or street); accessory buildings 6 m from the front, 1 m from the sides, 1.5 m from the rear; a garage or carport door 5.8 m from a road other than a lane

The zone is for houses and small multi-unit buildings on larger town lots.

Bed and breakfast (s. 57(8)(e), (f)): up to three guest rooms, and in a house only as a use beside living there.

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