AR1 Zoning in Nanaimo - Rural Resource
AR1: Rural Resource is an agricultural zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides agriculture and rural uses on larger lots without urban services.
On a typical AR1-zoned lot you can expect up to 4 dwelling units, a maximum height of 9 m, and site coverage up to 20%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Permitted uses in AR1 include agriculture, Animal Shelter, and Animal Training.
Intent of the AR1 district
This zone provides agriculture and rural uses on larger lots without urban services.
AR1 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 9 m |
| Site coverage | 20% |
| Zone category | Agricultural |
Density tiers in AR1
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Resource | 20000 m² | 4 | - | - | 9 m |
Permitted uses in AR1
- Agriculture
- Animal Shelter
- Animal Training
- Boarding Kennels
- Campground
- Golf Course
- Horse Stable
- Mobile Home
- Pet Daycare
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Convenience Store (with a campground) (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Office (with a campground) (accessory)
- Restaurant (with a campground) (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
AR1 zoning FAQ
What is AR1 zoning in Nanaimo?
AR1 (Rural Resource) is an agricultural zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides agriculture and rural uses on larger lots without urban services.
What can you build on AR1-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in AR1 include Agriculture, Animal Shelter, Animal Training, Boarding Kennels, Campground, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
How tall can a building be in AR1?
AR1 permits a maximum building height of 9 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
Other agricultural zones in Nanaimo
Look up a specific address in Nanaimo
Source: official Nanaimo zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026