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R-3 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% 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 0.4 for up to two units; 0.55 for three or four units, for a total of all buildings
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 setback7.6 m
Rear setback7.6 m
Interior side setback1.5 m; second storey and above at least 3.0 m (9.8 feet)
Street side setback3.7 m
Accessory building setbacksAccessory buildings: front 7.6 m, rear 0.6 m, interior side 0.6 m, exterior side 3.7 m. Accessory structures: front 7.6 m, rear 1.5 m, side 1.5 m, exterior side 3.7 m. Accessory dwelling unit: rear 3.0 m, side 3.0 m
Other rules
  • Total of side setbacks at least 4.6 m
  • Live landscaping at least 40%; impermeable surface at most 50%
  • 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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