Nanaimo Zoning Districts

Compare 20 covered residential and agricultural zoning districts in Nanaimo, BC: unit limits, height, setbacks and permitted uses, sourced from the official zoning bylaw (updated October 2026). Lot-specific conditions can change what you can build; check your address for the rules that apply.

Nanaimo zoning map: every lot coloured by how many units Bill 44 allows

Nanaimo zoning changes: key amendments, newest first

Look up a specific Nanaimo address

Agricultural zones

Other zones

Residential zones

About Nanaimo zoning

In Nanaimo, zoning is set by the City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw 2011 No. 4500. This page covers 20 of its zones (15 residential, 3 other and 2 agricultural), each with the unit limits, height, setbacks and permitted uses the bylaw sets for it.

Nanaimo does not have one citywide unit number. The answer depends on the zone, lot size and form, and for R5 lots whether City water and sewer servicing can be confirmed. How many units can you build in Nanaimo?

Small-scale multi-unit housing applies in these Nanaimo zones: R1, R1b, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R9, R14, R15, AR1 and AR2. Check an address for the count on a specific lot.

Latest change we track: Nanaimo sets R1 rules for houses in the Interim Corridor Area (July 29, 2024). All Nanaimo zoning changes

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