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R-1 zone in Oak Bay: Residential Use

Oak Bay, British ColumbiaDraft, not yet reviewedBylaw read 2026-11-07

In short

Main uses: One-unit dwelling, Two-unit dwelling, Multiple-unit dwelling.

Zone rules

Main uses
  • One-unit dwelling
  • Two-unit dwelling
  • Multiple-unit dwelling
Also allowed (secondary uses)
  • Boarding
  • Secondary Suite
  • Accessory dwelling unit
  • Small-scale urban agriculture
  • Home-based child care
  • Residential business use
Maximum lot coveragePrincipal building: 25% for a one-unit dwelling; 30% (including accessory buildings and accessory dwelling units) for two or more dwelling units. Accessory buildings and accessory structures: 5% each
Maximum densityUp to four dwelling units (two on heritage designated lots listed in Schedule F). Floor area ratio 0.2 for up to two units; 0.25 for three or four units
Maximum heightSet by lot breadth (Schedule B); principal building no more than three storeys including basements
Maximum height, accessory buildingsAccessory buildings 3.0 m (6.0 m for an accessory dwelling unit); accessory structures 4.6 m. Accessory dwelling unit no more than 2 storeys
Front setback10.7 m
Rear setback7.6 m
Interior side setback3.0 m; The Uplands follow Schedule C
Street side setback7.6 m
Accessory building setbacksAccessory buildings: front 10.7 m, rear 1.5 m, interior side 1.5 m, exterior side 7.6 m. Accessory structures: front 10.7 m, rear 1.5 m, side 1.5 m, exterior side 7.6 m. Accessory dwelling unit: rear 3.0 m, interior side 3.0 m, exterior side 6.0 m
Other rules
  • Up to two principal buildings
  • Live landscaping at least 50%; impermeable surface at most 40%
  • 3 m clear space between buildings and structures

Source: Zoning Bylaw 3531, 1986 (office consolidation to June 8, 2026), s. Part 6 (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply, and a lot can have site-specific rules. The cover reads 'Consolidated to June 8, 2026'. The District's older consolidations say reference should be made to Bylaw 3531 and its amendments for legal purposes. Each zone is its own Part (R zones Part 6, CD Part 7, RM Part 8, C Part 9, CS Part 10, P Part 11); the 'section' field holds the Part. Zone pages are taken from the bylaw text by a research agent and have not yet been reviewed by a person: confirm with the bylaw before you rely on them. How answers are checked.

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