FR-1: Forestry/Resource 1

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

One home (s. 4.6.3); this zone doesn't list a secondary suite (s. 2.18)

Main uses

One home, farming, forestry, log storage and sorting, primary mineral processing, wood processing; farm business, home-based business

Smallest lot for a subdivision

50 ha, with 400 m of frontage on a road (s. 4.6.3); up to half the lots in a subdivision may be 80% of that if the average holds (s. 6.7)

Lot coverage

10%

Height limit

10 m

Setbacks

4.5 m from the front and from a side along a road, 2 m from the other lot lines; buildings for mineral processing 30 m from every watercourse

The zone is for forestry and resource uses on large lots.

Bed and breakfast (s. 2.15): a home-based business in the house, up to three guest rooms, and not on a lot that has a suite.

Short-term rental of a whole home isn't a use this zone lists, and a suite may not be rented for less than a month (s. 2.18); ask the RDN before renting a home short term.

Watercourses (s. 2.10): no building within 30 m of the Little Qualicum River, the Englishman River or French Creek north of Highway 4A (from the natural boundary, or from the top of a bank within 30 m), 15 m of the other streams on the Area F plan's Map 3, and 8 m of any other watercourse.

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 the RDN's planning department before you buy or build.

Source: Section 4.6 of Electoral Area F Zoning and Subdivision Bylaw No. 1285, 2002 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-05); zone map: Open Government Licence – Regional District of Nanaimo.