R3 Zoning in Nanaimo - Island Residential
R3: Island Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for low density residential development of a permanent nature on Protection Island.
On a typical R3-zoned lot you can expect up to 2 dwelling units, an FSR of about 0.55, a maximum height of 9 m, and site coverage up to 35%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Alongside housing, R3 also lists Boarding and Lodging (accessory), daycare (accessory), and Short-Term Rental (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R3 district
This zone provides for low density residential development of a permanent nature on Protection Island.
R3 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 2 |
|---|---|
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.55 |
| Max height | 9 m |
| Site coverage | 35% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R3
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island Residential | 5000 m² | 2 | 0.55 | - | 9 m |
Permitted uses in R3
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
R3 zoning FAQ
What is R3 zoning in Nanaimo?
R3 (Island Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for low density residential development of a permanent nature on Protection Island.
What can you build on R3-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R3 include Single Residential Dwelling, Boarding and Lodging (accessory), Daycare (accessory), Home Based Business (accessory), Secondary Suite (accessory), among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for R3 in Nanaimo?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in R3 is about 0.55. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in R3?
R3 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 R3 zoning?
R3 allows up to 2 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
- 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