R3: Residential Three

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

One house (s. 7.3.3). A secondary suite of up to 55 m² is allowed in each house, on top of the zone's count of homes (s. 5.24); on SCRD sewer it needs the SCRD's sign-off on capacity first.

Main uses

One house, home business; the zone lists short-term rental, but the bylaw's short-term rental rule (s. 5.3.1) doesn't name R3, so it is unclear; ask the SCRD

Smallest lot for a subdivision

Set by the lot's subdivision district, not its zone (s. 4.2): from 1,000 m² to 100 ha; a lot's report shows its district

Lot coverage

45%

Height limit

8.5 m (s. 7.3.7)

Setbacks

5 m from a road; 1.5 m from other lot lines for buildings up to 8.5 m tall, 4 m above that; 15 m from the sea and 17 m from a creek, lake or wetland (32 m from some named rivers) (ss. 5.14, 5.16)

All buildings together at most 40% of the lot area and 300 m², including a garage or carport of at least 28 m²; an upper floor at most 75% of the floor below (s. 7.3.7).

Accessory buildings together are at most 5% of the lot or 300 m², whichever is less (75 m² on a lot under 1,500 m²), with no sleeping or cooking in them (s. 5.10).

Floors of living space at least 0.6 m above the 200-year flood level or 2 m above the natural boundary of the sea, a lake or a stream, whichever is higher (3 m on some named rivers) (s. 5.18).

Uses a zone doesn't list aren't allowed (s. 5.1.2).

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 SCRD's planning department before you buy or build.

Source: Sunshine Coast Regional District Zoning Bylaw No. 722 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-02); zone map: Open Government Licence – Sunshine Coast Regional District.