---
title: "R3-R zone in North Cowichan: Rural Residential One and Two-Family"
place: North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/north-cowichan
zone: R3-R
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-r/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/zoning/r3-r.json"
---

# R3-R zone in North Cowichan: Rural Residential One and Two-Family

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; Secondary Suite; Single-Family Dwelling; Supportive Housing; Two-Family Dwelling
- **Extra uses on specific lots:** 10117 Chemainus Road (PID: 028-309-782): up to three dwelling units, one of which may be a detached accessory dwelling unit
- **Minimum lot area:** 450 m² (4,844 sq. ft.) for a single-family dwelling, with or without a secondary suite; 700 m² (7,535 sq. ft.) for a two-family dwelling
- **Minimum lot width:** 15 m (49.21') for a single-family dwelling, with or without a secondary suite; 23.0 m (75.46') for a two-family dwelling
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 30% of the lot area for lots of 650 m² (7,000 sq. ft.) or larger; 35% for lots under 650 m²
- **Maximum density:** 1 residential building with up to 2 residential units (each strata unit counts as one)
- **Maximum height:** 9.0 m (29.53')
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 5.0 m (16.40')
- **Front setback:** 5.0 m (16.40’)
- **Rear setback:** 7.5 m (24.6’)
- **Interior side setback:** 2.0 m (6.56’)
- **Street side setback:** 3.0 m (9.8’) when adjacent to a lane or street
- **Accessory building setbacks:** front 5.0 m (16.40’), side 1.0 m (3.28’), rear 1.5 m (4.92’)
- **Other rules:** For a lot created before March 31, 2000, a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling or secondary suite is permitted on any lot; 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 three sleeping units, and only as an accessory use in a single-family dwelling; Driveway width must not exceed 6.0 m (19.68') of the lot frontage for each dwelling

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (consolidation current to September 14, 2026), s. 58.1](https://www.northcowichan.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/blc%202950_Zoning%20Bylaw%20Consolidated%20to%203974%203989%204002%203988%204008%204016.pdf#page=73) (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-r/_