---
title: "R3-MF zone in North Cowichan: Residential Medium Density Multi-Family"
place: North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/north-cowichan
zone: R3-MF
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/r3-mf/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/zoning/r3-mf.json"
---

# R3-MF zone in North Cowichan: Residential Medium Density Multi-Family

Main uses: Multi-Family Residence.

## Zone rules

- **Main uses:** Multi-Family Residence
- **Also allowed (secondary uses):** Limited Home-Based Business; Accessory Building
- **Minimum lot width:** 18.0 m (59.05')
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 45%; accessory buildings and structures cannot exceed 10% of the lot
- **Maximum density:** Minimum site area per dwelling unit 160 m² (1,722.23 sq. ft.); floor space ratio 0.5:1
- **Maximum height:** 10.0 m (32.81')
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 5.0 m (16.40')
- **Front setback:** 5.0 m (16.40')
- **Rear setback:** 7.5 m (24.61')
- **Interior side setback:** 1.5 m (4.92')
- **Street side setback:** 3.0 m (9.84') when adjacent to a lane or street
- **Accessory building setbacks:** front 10.0 m (32.81'), side 1.5 m (4.92'), side adjacent to a lane or street 3.0 m (9.84'), rear 1.5 m (4.92')
- **Other rules:** Minimum lot depth 30.0 m (98.43'); 30% of the lot area must be landscaped, not including parking; Garage doors must be 5.8 m (19.03') from any side or front property line; One driveway only, maximum 3.0 m (9.84') wide where it crosses sidewalks or trails; parking along the side or rear of the principal building

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (consolidation current to September 14, 2026), s. 58.3](https://www.northcowichan.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/blc%202950_Zoning%20Bylaw%20Consolidated%20to%203974%203989%204002%203988%204008%204016.pdf#page=77) (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/r3-mf/_