---
title: "W1 zone in Tofino: Waterfront Commercial District"
place: Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/tofino
zone: W1
bylaw: Zoning Bylaw No. 770, 1997 (consolidated for convenience only, updated April 4, 2024)
bylaw_read: 2026-11-08
review: draft
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/zoning/w1/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/zoning/w1.json"
---

# W1 zone in Tofino: Waterfront Commercial District

A broad range of commercial enterprises primarily oriented to water users and water traffic.

## Zone rules

- **Purpose:** A broad range of commercial enterprises primarily oriented to water users and water traffic.
- **Main uses:** Boat rental operation including temporary boat storage; Restaurant (excluding drive-in business); Commercial mooring facility or marina; Docks, wharves, and floats for water taxis, ferries, float planes and amphibious vessels; Marine fuelling operation (not within 60 metres of any residence or R District); Marine oriented club such as yacht club; Retail sale of live or fresh fish including shellfish; Retail sale of fishing supplies, live or fresh bait, and other marine equipment; Private floats and wharves for access by boats to water-oriented commercial enterprises; Hotel
- **Also allowed (secondary uses):** Retail uses, up to 93 square metres (1,000 square feet), as accessory uses only; Permanent residence on one boat or vessel by one member or employee of a yacht club, or a proprietor or employee of another permitted use, for security and fire protection; Temporary or seasonal residence on a boat or vessel for commercial fishing, if on-shore facilities are provided; Accessory buildings and uses in accordance with Part 4 (including manager's accommodation)
- **Maximum height:** 10.4 metres (34 feet), not more than two storeys
- **Front setback:** 7.5 metres (25 feet)
- **Rear setback:** 7.5 metres (25 feet)
- **Interior side setback:** 3 metres (10 feet) upland; 1.5 metres (5 feet) for water elements and situations
- **Other rules:** Retail activities must take place primarily within a building or structure; No boat building or commercial repair business; Floating boat shelters: maximum height 4.9 metres (16 feet) above the water and maximum length 13.7 metres (45 feet)

## Source

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 770, 1997 (consolidated for convenience only, updated April 4, 2024), s. Part 37](https://tofino.civicweb.net/document/157800#page=104) (read 2026-11-08)

Rules in the bylaw's general sections (parking, fences, suites, home businesses) also apply. All zones in Tofino: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tofino/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/tofino/zoning/w1/_