WA1: Water 1

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

None: the zone allows no homes (s. 4.41(a))

Main uses

Aquaculture (raising and harvesting aquatic organisms; seafood processing only on Agricultural Land Reserve land) and boat ramps (s. 4.41(a), Part 1). A dock or wharf isn't a listed use here, and uses a zone doesn't list are prohibited (s. 1.3)

Smallest lot for a subdivision

No minimum set in the zone

Lot coverage

None set in the zone

Height limit

1.0 m above the water's surface, measured from the natural boundary (s. 4.41(b))

Setbacks

3.0 m from every lot line or lease boundary (s. 4.41(c))

The zone covers water, often foreshore or lake bed held under a Crown lease rather than a titled lot (our reading); a lot beside it is zoned on land, and what may be built on the water in front of it is this zone's.

How much and how many uses the zone may hold depends on how they can be serviced (ss. 4.41(d), 3.28).

Short-term rental of a whole home isn't a use this zone lists, and with no homes allowed there is none to rent (our reading; ss. 1.3, 4.41(a)).

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 4.41 of Regional District of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw No. 2500, 2024 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-06); zone map: Open Government Licence – Regional District of Nanaimo.