R10 Zoning in Nanaimo - Steep Slope Residential
R10: Steep Slope Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone applies to properties identified as having steep slope characteristics and provides for detached, single residential dwelling subdivisions and clustered multiple family developments.
On a typical R10-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.55–0.7, 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.
Floor of 16 dwellings per hectare, minimum one principal dwelling; when that yields one, the R1 suite route may permit two or three total.
Alongside housing, R10 also lists Boarding and Lodging (accessory), daycare (accessory), and Short-Term Rental (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R10 district
This zone applies to properties identified as having steep slope characteristics and provides for detached, single residential dwelling subdivisions and clustered multiple family developments.
R10 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.55–0.7 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 9 m |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R10
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steep Slope Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.55 | 0.7 | 9 m |
| Steep Slope Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.55 | 0.7 | 9 m |
Permitted uses in R10
- Multiple Family Dwelling
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory, only with one single residential dwelling)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
R10 zoning FAQ
What is R10 zoning in Nanaimo?
R10 (Steep Slope Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone applies to properties identified as having steep slope characteristics and provides for detached, single residential dwelling subdivisions and clustered multiple family developments.
What can you build on R10-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R10 include Multiple Family Dwelling, Single Residential Dwelling, 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.
What is the FSR for R10 in Nanaimo?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in R10 generally ranges from about 0.55 up to 0.7. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in R10?
R10 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 R10 zoning?
R10 sets density as a rate rather than a fixed number of units per lot: floor of 16 dwellings per hectare, minimum one principal dwelling; when that yields one, the R1 suite route may permit two or three total. Look up your specific address for what that works out to on your lot.
Other residential zones in Nanaimo
- R1 - Single Dwelling Residential
- 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
Look up a specific address in Nanaimo
Source: official Nanaimo zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026