---
title: "A2 zone in North Cowichan: Rural"
place: North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/north-cowichan
zone: A2
bylaw: Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (consolidation current to September 14, 2026)
bylaw_read: 2026-11-07
review: draft
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/zoning/a2/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/zoning/a2.json"
---

# A2 zone in North Cowichan: Rural

Main uses: Agriculture, Agricultural Storage, Animal Shelter (subject to the Conditions of Use set out in Section 52(8)(h) and (i)), Assisted Living, Bed and Breakfast, and 10 more.

## Zone rules

- **Main uses:** Agriculture; Agricultural Storage; Animal Shelter (subject to the Conditions of Use set out in Section 52(8)(h) and (i)); Assisted Living; Bed and Breakfast; Community Care Facility; Craft Distillery; Forestry Use; Greenhouse; Home-based Business; Kennel; Manufactured Home; Riding Stable; Single-Family Dwelling; Supportive Housing (Animal Shelter is permitted only at one site (see site-specific); Two-Family Dwelling is shown as repealed.)
- **Extra uses on specific lots:** 7550 Bell McKinnon Road: Animal Shelter; 3042 River Road: campground (seasonal); 8701 Chemainus Road, 8682 and 9090 Trans-Canada Highway, 3800 Gibbins Road: campground (short-term) for up to 25 campsites during a gathering for an event; 3800 Gibbins Road: up to 14 gatherings a year with up to 150 attendees and 20 events with up to 20 attendees; #2-6380 Lakes Road (PID: 027-013-944): commercial assembly for up to 10 events a year with up to 80 attendees; 941 Arbutus Avenue (PID 000-232-556): two residential buildings, three dwelling units; 2260-2262 Regina Drive, strata plan EPS5867: three dwelling units in two buildings
- **Minimum lot area:** 2 hectares (4.94 acres)
- **Minimum lot width:** 75.0 m (246.06')
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 10% of the lot area
- **Maximum density:** Up to 2 dwelling units and 1 residential building per lot; on land of 2 hectares (4.94 acres) or larger, 2 dwelling units in 2 residential buildings are allowed if the smaller one is accessory and no more than 90 m² of gross floor area
- **Maximum height:** 9.0 m (29.53') for buildings with dwelling units; other farm buildings follow the Farm Building Code 1995
- **Front setback:** 6.0 m (19.68') single-family and two-family dwellings; 30.0 m mobile homes; 25 m all other principal buildings; 30 m kennels; 20.0 m animal shelter
- **Rear setback:** 8.0 m (26.25') single-family and two-family dwellings; 12.0 m mobile homes; 15 m all other principal buildings; 30 m kennels; 20.0 m animal shelter
- **Interior side setback:** 3.0 m (9.84') single-family and two-family dwellings; 12.0 m mobile homes; 15 m all other principal buildings; 30 m kennels; 20.0 m animal shelter
- **Accessory building setbacks:** front 8.0 m (26.25'), side 3.0 m (9.84'), rear 8.0 m (26.25')
- **Other rules:** Other principal buildings must be 30 m (98.42’) from residentially zoned property; A kennel must not be on a lot under 8000 m² (1.98 acres); Bed and breakfast: no more than six sleeping units; Assisted Living, Supportive Housing and Community Care Facilities: no more than ten residents, within a single-family dwelling only

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (consolidation current to September 14, 2026), s. 52](https://www.northcowichan.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/blc%202950_Zoning%20Bylaw%20Consolidated%20to%203974%203989%204002%203988%204008%204016.pdf#page=49) (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply. All zones in North Cowichan: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/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/north-cowichan/zoning/a2/_