R15 Zoning in Nanaimo - Old City Medium Density Residential
R15: Old City Medium Density Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for residential rehabilitation and the development of new medium density multiple family residential redevelopments that are consistent with the historical architectural style of the area.
On a typical R15-zoned lot you can expect up to 7 dwelling units, an FSR of roughly 0.85–1.277, a maximum height of 9.5 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, R15 also lists Boarding and Lodging (accessory), daycare (accessory), and Short-Term Rental (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R15 district
This zone provides for residential rehabilitation and the development of new medium density multiple family residential redevelopments that are consistent with the historical architectural style of the area.
R15 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 7 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.85–1.277 |
| Max height | 9.5 m |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R15
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old City Medium Density Residential | 750 m² | - | 0.85 | - | 9.5 m |
| Old City Medium Density Residential | 750 m² | - | 1.277 | - | 9.5 m |
| Old City Medium Density Residential | 750 m² | 7 | 0.86 | - | 9.5 m |
Permitted uses in R15
- Duplex
- Multiple Family Dwelling
- Rooming House
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
R15 zoning FAQ
What is R15 zoning in Nanaimo?
R15 (Old City Medium Density Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for residential rehabilitation and the development of new medium density multiple family residential redevelopments that are consistent with the historical architectural style of the area.
What can you build on R15-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R15 include Duplex, Multiple Family Dwelling, Rooming House, Single Residential Dwelling, Boarding and Lodging (accessory), among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for R15 in Nanaimo?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in R15 generally ranges from about 0.85 up to 1.277. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in R15?
R15 permits a maximum building height of 9.5 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in R15 zoning?
R15 allows up to 7 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
- 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