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R-2 zone in Lake Cowichan: Urban Residential

Lake Cowichan, British ColumbiaDraft, not yet reviewedBylaw read 2026-11-08

In short

Mainly detached dwellings in a low-density urban setting.

Zone rules

PurposeMainly detached dwellings in a low-density urban setting.
Main uses
  • Single detached
  • Duplex
Also allowed (secondary uses)
  • Secondary suite, garden suite or coach house (one of the three on a lot with a single detached dwelling)
  • Secondary suite in a duplex (lots of at least 780 m²)
  • Bed and breakfast (conditions apply)
  • Home-based business (within the size limits for the suite)
Extra uses on specific lotsRental only tenure for 25% of all units of any housing type on Lot B, Plan VIP 29595, District Lot 16 (PID 001-378-635), 7995 Cowichan Lake Road
Minimum lot area600 m² (single dwelling); 780 m² (duplex on a single strata lot); 300 m² (duplex, each unit on its own fee simple lot)
Maximum lot coverage40%
Maximum height11.0 m
Maximum height, accessory buildings7.5 m (accessory buildings over 10 m²); 3.5 m (accessory structures under 10 m²)
Front setback7.5 m
Rear setback4.5 m
Interior side setback1.5 m
Street side setback3.0 m
Accessory building setbacksAccessory structures under 10 m²: front 7.5 m, rear 0.6 m, interior side 0.6 m, exterior side 3.0 m
Other rules
  • Maximum 3 storeys
  • One accessory dwelling unit is permitted on a lot
  • Secondary suite: at most 40% of the principal dwelling's floor area or 85 m² (whichever is less); at least 30 m²; at most 2 bedrooms
  • Garden suite and coach house: at most 40% of the principal dwelling's floor area or 60 m² (whichever is less); at least 30 m²; at most 2 bedrooms

Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 1055-2021 (consolidated as of February 24, 2026), s. Part V (read 2026-11-08)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply, and a lot can have site-specific rules. Zone pages are taken from the bylaw text by a research agent and have not yet been reviewed by a person: confirm with the bylaw before you rely on them. How answers are checked.

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