---
title: "R8 zone in North Cowichan: Residential Multi-Family Apartment"
place: North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/north-cowichan
zone: R8
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/r8/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-cowichan/zoning/r8.json"
---

# R8 zone in North Cowichan: Residential Multi-Family Apartment

Main uses: Apartment, Congregate Housing, Limited Home-based Business, Single-Family Dwelling (subject to the provisions of the R3 zone).

## Zone rules

- **Main uses:** Apartment; Congregate Housing; Limited Home-based Business; Single-Family Dwelling (subject to the provisions of the R3 zone)
- **Minimum lot area:** 1,120 m² (12,056 sq. ft.)
- **Minimum lot width:** 30 m (98.43')
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 40% of the lot area, including covered parking
- **Maximum density:** Floor space ratio 1:1
- **Maximum height:** 11.0 m (36.09')
- **Maximum height, accessory buildings:** 5.0 m (16.4')
- **Front setback:** 6.0 m (19.68')
- **Rear setback:** 8.0 m (26.25')
- **Interior side setback:** 5.0 m (16.4')
- **Accessory building setbacks:** front 6.0 m (19.68'), side 1.0 m (3.28'), rear 1.5 m (4.92')
- **Other rules:** Maximum gross floor area of any one building 6,000 m² (64,583 sq. ft.); Minimum separation between buildings on the same lot: windows to habitable rooms 12.0 m (39.37'); walls and other windows 6.0 m (19.68'); walls 6.0 m (19.68'); 30% of the lot area must be landscaped open space; 4.5% of the lot area must be a recreation area (at least 40 m²)

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw 1997, No. 2950 (consolidation current to September 14, 2026), s. 63](https://www.northcowichan.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/blc%202950_Zoning%20Bylaw%20Consolidated%20to%203974%203989%204002%203988%204008%204016.pdf#page=88) (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/r8/_