---
title: "W-1 zone in Lake Cowichan: Water Recreation"
place: Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/lake-cowichan
zone: W-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/w-1/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/zoning/w-1.json"
---

# W-1 zone in Lake Cowichan: Water Recreation

Protect and preserve the natural state and environment of Cowichan Lake and Cowichan River and the riparian areas next to them.

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** Protect and preserve the natural state and environment of Cowichan Lake and Cowichan River and the riparian areas next to them.
- **Main uses:** Beach and water-based recreational activities; Marinas, breakwaters, ramps, and floats; Navigational aids, buoys, and markers; Public and commercial wharves
- **Minimum lot area:** 1,000 m²
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 10%
- **Maximum height:** 3.0 m
- **Front setback:** 7.5 m
- **Rear setback:** 7.5 m
- **Interior side setback:** 7.5 m
- **Street side setback:** 7.5 m
- **Other rules:** All development requires a Development Permit; No residential use of floats, piers or vessels, and no storage of vessels of any kind; Boat houses, houseboats, and boat shelters are prohibited; Docks, rafts and docking berths for a marina need provincial and/or federal foreshore approvals

## 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=41) (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/w-1/_