---
title: "R3-S zone in North Cowichan: Residential Small Lot Single-Family"
place: North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/north-cowichan
zone: R3-S
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-s/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/zoning/r3-s.json"
---

# R3-S zone in North Cowichan: Residential Small Lot Single-Family

Main uses: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit, Multi-Family Residence, Secondary Suite, Single-Family Dwelling, Two-Family Dwelling, and 1 more.

## Zone rules

- **Main uses:** Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit; Multi-Family Residence; Secondary Suite; Single-Family Dwelling; Two-Family Dwelling; Home-based Business
- **Minimum lot area:** 325 m² (3,498 sq. ft.); panhandle lots 450 m² (4,844 sq. ft.) excluding the panhandle
- **Minimum lot width:** 11.5 m (37.73') where the lot frontage is on a highway; 8.0 m (26.25') where on a cul-de-sac (not panhandle lots)
- **Maximum lot coverage:** One residential building and up to two dwelling units: 40% of lot area. Three or more dwelling units or a detached accessory dwelling unit: 45% for lots of 400 m² (4,306 sq. ft.) or larger; 50% for lots under 400 m²
- **Maximum density:** 1 residential building (plus one detached accessory dwelling unit if the principal building is a single-family dwelling with or without a secondary suite). Dwelling units: 3 on lots under 280 m²; 4 on lots 280 m² to 4,050 m² (1 acre); 2 on lots over 4,050 m²
- **Maximum height:** 9.0 m (29.53')
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 5.0 m (16.4')
- **Front setback:** 4.5 m (14.76')
- **Rear setback:** 6.0 m (19.68')
- **Interior side setback:** 1.5 m (4.92')
- **Street side setback:** 3.0 m (9.84') when adjacent to a highway
- **Accessory building setbacks:** front 5.0 m (16.4'), side 1.0 m (3.28'), rear 1.0 m (3.28')
- **Other rules:** Vehicle entrance of a garage or carport must be at least 5.8 m (19.03') from a highway other than a lane; Where a rear lane is available, vehicle access is only from the lane; Only one garage or carport per lot; Multi-family residence requires 0.75 parking spaces per dwelling unit

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (consolidation current to September 14, 2026), s. 58.2](https://www.northcowichan.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/blc%202950_Zoning%20Bylaw%20Consolidated%20to%203974%203989%204002%203988%204008%204016.pdf#page=75) (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-s/_