---
title: "R zone in Port Alberni: Primary Residential"
place: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/port-alberni
zone: R
bylaw: Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update)
bylaw_read: 2026-11-07
review: draft
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning/r/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/zoning/r.json"
---

# R zone in Port Alberni: Primary Residential

To provide for gentle density and small-scale multi-unit residential development.

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** To provide for gentle density and small-scale multi-unit residential development.
- **Main uses:** Single detached dwelling; Semi-detached dwelling; Multi-residential dwellings
- **Also allowed (secondary uses):** Home occupation; Accessory Dwelling Unit; Secondary Suite; Bed and Breakfast; Supportive Housing
- **Minimum lot area:** 280 m² (3,014 ft²)
- **Minimum lot width:** 10 m (32.8 ft)
- **Maximum lot coverage:** 60%
- **Maximum density:** 4 dwelling units per lot (3 on lots under 280 m²); lots over 4,050 m² (1 ac) or not on municipal water and sewer are limited to one single detached dwelling plus secondary suite
- **Maximum height:** 11 m (36.1 ft)
- **Front setback:** 3 m (9.8 ft)
- **Rear setback:** 5 m (16.4 ft)
- **Interior side setback:** 1.5 m (4.9 ft); 3 m (9.8 ft) on one side for buildings with no carport or attached garage and no side or rear access from a street or lane
- **Street side setback:** 3 m (9.8 ft) on a corner lot
- **Other rules:** Maximum impermeable surface area 70% (75% when the lot has three or more dwelling units).; Groups of single and semi-detached dwellings are permitted.; Any combination of dwelling units is permitted on a lot as long as a principal building is present.; Supportive housing is limited to four persons in care.

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, 2024 (October 2026 update), s. 5.10](https://portalberni.ca/sites/default/files/doc_library/5105_Zoning_Bylaw_No_5105_2024_Oct%202026%20Update.pdf#page=34) (read 2026-11-07)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply. All zones in Port Alberni: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/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/port-alberni/zoning/r/_