---
title: "W1 zone in Nanaimo: Waterfront"
place: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/nanaimo
zone: W1
bylaw: Zoning Bylaw No. 4500 (consolidated 2026-MAR-23)
bylaw_read: 2026-11-07
review: draft
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/zoning/w1/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/zoning/w1.json"
---

# W1 zone in Nanaimo: Waterfront

Public access to the waterfront and enjoyment of the City's marine environment

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** Public access to the waterfront and enjoyment of the City's marine environment
- **Main uses:** Canoe and Kayak Rental; Floats and Wharves; Piers and Walkways
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 20%
- **Maximum density:** No residential units permitted
- **Maximum height:** 4.5 m
- **Front setback:** 4.5 m
- **Rear setback:** 4 m
- **Street side setback:** 1.5 m
- **Other rules:** Canoe and kayak rental buildings are limited to 70 m² Gross Floor Area

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 4500 (consolidated 2026-MAR-23), s. Part 15](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/4500.pdf#page=125) (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply. All zones in Nanaimo: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/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/nanaimo/zoning/w1/_