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R8 zone in Nanaimo: Medium Density Residential

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

In short

Medium-density, multiple family developments on specific lots, compatible with other residential and neighbouring commercial land uses.

Zone rules

PurposeMedium-density, multiple family developments on specific lots, compatible with other residential and neighbouring commercial land uses.
Main uses
  • Multiple Family Dwelling
  • Rooming House
  • Single Residential Dwelling
Also allowed (secondary uses)
  • Boarding & Lodging
  • Convenience Store
  • Daycare
  • Home Based Business
  • Secondary Suite
  • Short-Term Rental
Extra uses on specific lots
  • Hotel: 809 Island Highway; 1577 Stewart Avenue
  • Personal Care Facility: 6085, 6095 and 6081 Uplands Drive; 3425 Uplands Drive
Minimum lot area1,800 m²
Minimum lot width15 m
Maximum lot coverage40%
Maximum densityFloor Area Ratio up to 1.25; plus 0.1 for Schedule D Tier 1 or 0.25 for Tier 2; extra for underground parkingFloor area ratio may also be increased for parking under the principal building.
Maximum height14 m
Front setback6.0 m
Rear setback10.5 m
Interior side setback3.0 m
Street side setback4.0 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)
  • Where the use is a single residential dwelling, setbacks, lot coverage and height follow the R1 zone
  • 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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