---
title: "R1-BM zone in North Cowichan: Bell McKinnon Residential Rural"
place: North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/north-cowichan
zone: R1-BM
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/r1-bm/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/zoning/r1-bm.json"
---

# R1-BM zone in North Cowichan: Bell McKinnon Residential Rural

Main uses: Agriculture, Assisted Living, Bed and Breakfast, Community Care Facility, Home-based Business, and 4 more.

## Zone rules

- **Main uses:** Agriculture; Assisted Living; Bed and Breakfast; Community Care Facility; Home-based Business; Modular Home; Single-Family Dwelling; Supportive Housing; Two-Family Dwelling
- **Extra uses on specific lots:** 6682 Norcross Road (PID: 006-390-889): assisted living facility may have up to 20 residents
- **Minimum lot area:** 2 hectares (4.94 acres)
- **Minimum lot width:** 30.0 m (98.43')
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 30% of the lot area
- **Maximum density:** 1 residential building and up to 2 dwelling units per lot; floor space ratio 0.5:1
- **Maximum height:** 9.0 m (29.53')
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 5.0 m (16.40')
- **Front setback:** 6.0 m (19.68')
- **Rear setback:** 8.0 m (26.25')
- **Interior side setback:** 3.0 m (9.84')
- **Accessory building setbacks:** front 6.0 m (19.68'), side 3.0 m (9.84'), rear 3.0 m (9.84')
- **Other rules:** Garage or vehicle entrance must be at least 5.8 m (19.03') from a public road other than a lane; 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. 56.2](https://www.northcowichan.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/blc%202950_Zoning%20Bylaw%20Consolidated%20to%203974%203989%204002%203988%204008%204016.pdf#page=65) (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/r1-bm/_