R3-S: Residential Small Lot Single-Family

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. 58.2(6))

Main uses

Houses, duplexes and small multi-family buildings, secondary suites and detached accessory homes, home-based business (s. 58.2(1))

Smallest lot for a subdivision

325 m², with 11.5 m of frontage on a road (8.0 m on a cul-de-sac); a panhandle lot 450 m² not counting the panhandle; a streamside protection area doesn't count toward the area (s. 58.2(2)-(5))

Lot coverage

40% with one building and up to two homes; with three or more homes or a detached accessory home, 45% on lots of 400 m² or more and 50% on smaller ones (s. 58.2(7), (7.1))

Height limit

9 m; accessory buildings 5 m (s. 58.2(9))

Setbacks

Front 4.5 m, rear 6 m, sides 1.5 m (3 m beside a road); accessory buildings 5 m from the front, 1 m from the sides and rear; a garage or carport door 5.8 m from a road other than a lane (s. 58.2(8))

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

Where a rear lane is available, cars reach the lot only from it; one garage or carport per lot; a multi-family residence needs 0.75 parking spaces a home (s. 58.2(10)).

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