---
title: "C-3 zone in Lake Cowichan: Lakefront and Riverfront Commercial"
place: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/lake-cowichan
zone: C-3
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-3/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/zoning/c-3.json"
---

# C-3 zone in Lake Cowichan: Lakefront and Riverfront Commercial

Commercial uses near the lakefront and riverfront.

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** Commercial uses near the lakefront and riverfront.
- **Main uses:** Business and professional services; Hotel; Liquor sales; Marina and equipment sales; Personal service establishment; Residential single unit attached
- **Also allowed (secondary uses):** Bed and breakfast accessory to single detached dwelling; Residential single detached
- **Extra uses on specific lots:** Residential multi-unit only on Lot 2, Section 6, Cowichan Lake District, Plan 5631, subject to no additional units existing on March 24, 2015; Short term vacation rentals on Lot 1, Section 6, Plan 5631 only
- **Minimum lot area:** 464 m²; 600 m² (residential)
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 40%; 50% (subject to rezoning to Comprehensive Development or density bonus amenity provisions)
- **Maximum height:** 10.5 m
- **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:** Minimum landscaped area 5%

## 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-3/_