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R5 zone in Nanaimo: Three and Four Unit Residential

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

In short

Small-scale multiple family residential dwellings of up to four units, compatible with the scale or enhancing the architectural style of single family residential development in the area.

Zone rules

PurposeSmall-scale multiple family residential dwellings of up to four units, compatible with the scale or enhancing the architectural style of single family residential development in the area.
Main uses
  • Duplex
  • Multiple Family Dwelling
  • Single Residential Dwelling
A maximum of two principal buildings is permitted on a lot.
Also allowed (secondary uses)
  • Boarding & Lodging
  • Daycare
  • Home Based Business
  • Secondary Suite
  • Short-Term Rental
Secondary suites are only permitted where no more than two principal dwelling units exist on the lot.
Minimum lot area600 m²; 550 m² where the lot can be accessed from a lane
Minimum lot width15 m
Maximum lot coverage50%
Maximum densityThree dwelling units; one additional dwelling unit where the lot is 280 m² or greater
Maximum height9 m (flat roof, under 4:12 pitch); 10.5 m (sloped roof, 4:12 pitch or steeper)
Front setback3.0 m
Rear setback7.5 m
Interior side setback1.5 m
Street side setback2.5 m
Other rules
  • Where the use is a single residential dwelling, setbacks, lot coverage and height follow the R1 zone
  • 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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