---
title: "R-6 zone in Lake Cowichan: Small House Residential"
place: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/lake-cowichan
zone: R-6
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/r-6/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/zoning/r-6.json"
---

# R-6 zone in Lake Cowichan: Small House Residential

Small single detached dwellings on small lots at medium density in an urban setting.

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** Small single detached dwellings on small lots at medium density in an urban setting.
- **Main uses:** Single detached
- **Also allowed (secondary uses):** Secondary suite in a single detached dwelling (basement or walk-out garden level, max. lot coverage 50%, one garage parking space); Home-based business (within the size limits for the suite)
- **Minimum lot area:** 275 m² (single dwelling)
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 60%; 50% when a secondary suite is present
- **Maximum height:** 5.5 m; the ridge of pitched roofs with a minimum slope of six to twelve may extend up to 7.6 m; all parts of the roof above 5.5 m must be pitched
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 4.5 m for pitched roof, 3.7 m for flat roof (accessory buildings over 10 m²); 3.5 m (accessory structures under 10 m²)
- **Front setback:** 1.5 m
- **Rear setback:** 1.5 m
- **Interior side setback:** 1.2 m
- **Street side setback:** 1.5 m
- **Other rules:** Maximum 1 1/2 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; Secondary suite only in a basement or walk-out garden level, with maximum lot coverage 50% and one required parking space in a garage

## 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=21) (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/r-6/_