---
title: "C-1 zone in Lake Cowichan: General Commercial"
place: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/lake-cowichan
zone: C-1
bylaw: Zoning Bylaw No. 1055-2021 (consolidated as of February 24, 2026)
bylaw_read: 2026-11-08
review: draft
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/zoning/c-1/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/zoning/c-1.json"
---

# C-1 zone in Lake Cowichan: General Commercial

A broad range of commercial uses, limited manufacturing, and high-density residential uses.

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** A broad range of commercial uses, limited manufacturing, and high-density residential uses.
- **Main uses:** Art studio and art gallery; Business and professional services; Childcare facility; Light manufacturing including boat building, cabinet, and furniture; door and sash manufacturing within a building; Marina and equipment sales; Personal service establishment; Repair services for small items such as shoes, electronics, and similar items; Residential multi-unit above commercial use or at rear of commercial use where not fronting public street; Restaurant; Retail store; Service station; Theatre
- **Also allowed (secondary uses):** Residential single detached
- **Extra uses on specific lots:** Boat and marine storage only on the parcel described as Lots A and B, Plan EPP23955; Institution use of a school at 38 King George Street North (Lot 1, Plan EPP65810, District Lot 12); Rental only for 100% of residential units on Lot 2, Plan VIP 64985, District Lot 7 (205 South Shore Road); Rental only for 100% of residential units on Lot 1, Plan VIP 5896, District Lot 12 (155 South Shore Road); Rental only tenure for 100% of residential units on Lot 1, Plan EPP65810, District Lot 12 (38 King George Street North); Rental only tenure for 100% of residential units on Block 18, Plan VIP 1231, District Lot 12 (39 King George Street North); Rental only tenure for 100% of residential units on Lot B, Plan VIP86085, District Lot 12 (29 Renfrew Avenue)
- **Minimum lot area:** 464 m²; 464 m² (residential above commercial)
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 50%; 60% (subject to rezoning to Comprehensive Development or density bonus amenity provisions)
- **Maximum height:** 10.5 m; 17 m (5 storeys) subject to rezoning to Comprehensive Development or density bonus amenity provisions; minimum height two storeys
- **Front setback:** Minimum 0 m; maximum 3 m (no more than 50% of the front of a building may be set back further)
- **Rear setback:** 3 m
- **Interior side setback:** 0 m
- **Street side setback:** Minimum 0 m; maximum 3 m (no more than 50% of the exterior side of a building may be set back further)
- **Other rules:** Boat and marine storage must be screened with an opaque fence at least 2 m high (maximum 2.4 m) along all lot lines and semi-enclosed structures on at least three sides

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 1055-2021 (consolidated as of February 24, 2026), s. Part V](https://www.lakecowichan.ca/dl//1055-2021%20Zoning%20Bylaw%20Consolidated%2026-02-24.pdf#page=34) (read 2026-11-08)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply. All zones in Lake Cowichan: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/zoning/index.json

_Draft: taken from the bylaw text by a research agent and not yet reviewed by a person. Gov Handbook is an independent guide. Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/zoning/c-1/_