R1 Zoning in Nanaimo - Single Dwelling Residential
R1: Single Dwelling Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for low density, single residential dwelling developments and also for two principal dwellings on certain corner lots.
On a typical R1-zoned lot you can expect up to 4 dwelling units, a maximum height of 9 m, and site coverage up to 40%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Alongside housing, R1 also lists Boarding and Lodging (accessory), daycare (accessory), and Short-Term Rental (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R1 district
This zone provides for low density, single residential dwelling developments and also for two principal dwellings on certain corner lots.
R1 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 9 m |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R1
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Dwelling Residential | 500 m² | 4 | - | - | 9 m |
Permitted uses in R1
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Duplex (qualifying corner lot)
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
R1 zoning FAQ
What is R1 zoning in Nanaimo?
R1 (Single Dwelling Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for low density, single residential dwelling developments and also for two principal dwellings on certain corner lots.
What can you build on R1-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R1 include Single Residential Dwelling, Duplex (qualifying corner lot), Boarding and Lodging (accessory), Daycare (accessory), Home Based Business (accessory), among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
How tall can a building be in R1?
R1 permits a maximum building height of 9 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in R1 zoning?
R1 allows up to 4 dwelling units on an eligible lot. Under the Province's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing rules, most standard residential lots in Nanaimo now permit multiple units outright. The exact number depends on lot size and whether rental tenure is secured.
Other residential zones in Nanaimo
- R1b - Single Dwelling Residential (subzone)
- R2 - Single Dwelling Residential - Small Lot
- R3 - Island Residential
- R4 - Two Unit Residential
- R5 - Three and Four Unit Residential
- R6 - Low Density Residential
- R7 - Row House Residential
- R8 - Medium Density Residential
Look up a specific address in Nanaimo
Source: official Nanaimo zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026