R15 zone in Nanaimo: Old City Medium Density Residential

Nanaimo, British ColumbiaDraft, not yet reviewedBylaw read 2026-11-07

In short

Residential rehabilitation and new medium density multiple family redevelopments consistent with the historical architectural style of the area.

Zone rules

Purpose	Residential rehabilitation and new medium density multiple family redevelopments consistent with the historical architectural style of the area.
Main uses	Duplex Multiple Family Dwelling Rooming House Single Residential Dwelling
Also allowed (secondary uses)	Boarding & Lodging Daycare Home Based Business Secondary Suite Short-Term Rental
Minimum lot area	750 m²
Minimum lot width	15 m
Maximum lot coverage	40%
Maximum density	Floor Area Ratio up to 0.85; extra for underground parking; an additional 0.15 for conversion of an older home
Maximum height	9.5 m
Front setback	3.0 m (first storey); 4.5 m (above the first storey)
Rear setback	7.5 m
Interior side setback	1.5 m
Street side setback	2.5 m
Other rules	Garage doors and carport entrances facing a street must be set back at least 6 m where the principal use is a single residential dwelling or duplex (or the lot is R5) An extra 2.5 m front and/or flanking side setback applies where a lot abuts a major road and the road widening has not been dedicated

Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 4500 (consolidated 2026-MAR-23), s. Part 7 (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply, and a lot can have site-specific rules. The bylaw is organised by part (one part per zone family, with shared use and regulation tables), so zone line ranges cover the whole part. CD3 is deleted in the bylaw. Zones R1a and R1b are subzones of R1 (R1 / R1a / R1b). 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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