GovHandbook

Nelson zoning: find your zone and what it allows

How do I find out how my property is zoned and what I can build on it?

Nelson, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

Short answer

Look up your lot on Nelson's Interactive Zoning Map, then read that zone in Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026. The bylaw sets permitted uses, density, and building height, setbacks and lot coverage for each zone. Development Services can confirm at 250-352-8260.

Zoning map

ResidentialComprehensive developmentMixed useCommercialIndustrialPublic

Search an address or click a lot on the map to see its zone and what it allows.

Zoning shown from the City of Nelson's City of Nelson Interactive Zoning Map data, downloaded 2026-11-07.

Zones in Nelson

From Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026 (adopted April 14, 2026). Each zone has its own page with its uses, lot sizes, heights and setbacks. Zone pages are drafts taken from the bylaw text and not yet reviewed by a person.

Residential zones

Comprehensive development zones

  • GP1 Granite Pointe Redevelopment Zone
  • CD1 Mixed-Use Core Zone
  • CD2 Mixed-Use Residential Zone
  • CD3 Mixed-Use Residential Zone
  • CD4 Mixed-Use Residential Zone
  • CD5 Small-Scale Residential Zone
  • CD6 Mixed-Use Residential Zone
  • CD7 Multi-Unit Residential Zone
  • CD8 Mixed-Use Core Zone

Mixed use zones

Commercial zones

Industrial zones

Public zones

Key facts

How to find your zoneUse the City of Nelson Interactive Zoning Map (linked from the City's Zoning and Maps pages) to find a property's zone, then read that zone's rules in the Zoning Bylaw. The extent of each zone is shown on Schedule A of the bylaw.Zoning, City page, Zoning Bylaw; Maps, City Maps page; Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026, Part 9, s. 3 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
The City of Nelson Interactive Zoning Map identifies the established zones within the City of Nelson.
- (no text) -> https://rdck.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c16973fceb9b473484cdabe96bc677d8 - Zoning - Interactive Map -> http://rdck.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a0a4b5deb4174b0580c610a195b3f39e - City of Nelson Boundary (PDF) -> https://www.nelson.ca/DocumentCenter/View/718
The extent of each zone is shown on Schedule ‘A’ of this bylaw.
Zoning bylawZoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026, adopted April 14, 2026. It replaced Zoning Bylaw No. 3199, 2013.Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026, Adoption page, s. 10-11 Repeal · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
FINALLY PASSED AND ADOPTED the 14th day of April, 2026
a. Corporation of the City of Nelson Zoning Bylaw No. 3199, 2013, including
all amendments thereto;
What the zone controlsThe zoning bylaw sets, for each zone, the permitted uses and density (dwelling units per lot), the size and shape of parcels that can be created by subdivision, and the siting, size and dimensions of buildings and structures (height, setbacks, lot coverage).Zoning, City page, Zoning Bylaw; Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026, Part 10, R1 zone · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Area, shape and dimensions of all parcels of land that may be created by subdivision
Density
Permitted uses on any parcel of land within the city
Siting, sizing and dimensions of buildings and structures
8 "Landscape Regulations" apply in addition to the requirements of this zone. Permitted Uses 3. Commercial uses shall only be permitted in combination with dwelling units.
on the ground floor. Existing Building: Setbacks, Lot Coverage, Height, and Parking 5. For the purposes of this zone, "existing building" refers to the building that
Interface) Zone......................................97 Appendix A: Diagrams.............................. 164 3. C3 Mixed-Use Core (City Hall) Zone. ...100 Figure 1: Building Height. ........................165 4. C4 Mixed-Use Core (Railtown) Zone. ..103 Figure 2: Lot Coverage.............................166
ContactDevelopment Services and Engineering, City Hall, Suite 101, 310 Ward Street: 250-352-8260. City Hall main line: 250-352-5511.Business Licence, Contact box; Zoning, City page, Contact Us · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Contact Development Services & Engineering
Phone: 250-352-8260
Phone: 250-352-5511
Suite 101, 310 Ward Street
BylawZoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026, adoption page, s. 2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
This Bylaw may be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026”

How it works

Nelson's zoning bylaw divides the city into zones. For each zone it sets the permitted uses and density, the size and shape of parcels that can be created by subdivision, and the siting, size and dimensions of buildings and structures, such as height, setbacks and lot coverage. Zoning Bylaw 3652 was adopted April 14, 2026 and replaced Zoning Bylaw 3199, 2013. Some City pages still refer to the old bylaw, so rely on 3652. The extent of each zone is shown on Schedule A of the bylaw.

Steps

  1. Find your lot on the City's Interactive Zoning Map (linked from the Zoning and Maps pages) and note the zone code.
  2. Open the Zoning Bylaw and read that zone's rules, plus Part 3 (general regulations), Part 7 (off-street parking) and Part 8 (landscaping), which apply to all zones.
  3. If your idea does not fit, contact Development Services about a variance or rezoning before you apply.

Good to know

  • Rezoning applications to amend the Zoning Bylaw need review by the Advisory Planning Commission before going to Council.
  • For electrical servicing, applicants must contact Nelson Hydro.
  • Part of your property may also be in a Development Permit Area under the Official Community Plan; ask staff.
  • The City's zoning page names the Development Services and Climate Leadership Department for rezoning enquiries. City Hall's main line is 250-352-5511.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Castlegar · Slocan · Salmo · Fruitvale · Montrose · Trail

Zoning maps in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Zoning, City of Nelson (read 2026-11-05)
  2. Zoning Bylaw No. 3652, 2026 (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
  3. Maps, City of Nelson (read 2026-11-05)
  4. Business Licence, City of Nelson (Development Services contact box) (read 2026-11-05)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.