R5 Zoning in Nanaimo - Three and Four Unit Residential
Tracked amendment June 17, 2024: Nanaimo pre-zones most single-family and duplex lots for three or four units. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4500.223. See Nanaimo zoning changes
R5: Three and Four Unit Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for the development of small-scale multiple family residential dwellings, of up to four units, that are compatible with the scale or enhance the architectural style of single family residential development within the area.
On a typical R5-zoned lot you can expect up to 4 dwelling units, a maximum height of 10.5 m, and site coverage up to 50%. Exact figures vary with lot size, frontage, and form of development, so look up your specific address to confirm.
Alongside housing, R5 also lists Boarding and Lodging (accessory), daycare (accessory), and Short-Term Rental (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R5 district
This zone provides for the development of small-scale multiple family residential dwellings, of up to four units, that are compatible with the scale or enhance the architectural style of single family residential development within the area.
R5 at a glance
| Max dwelling units | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 10.5 m |
| Site coverage | 50% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R5
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three and Four Unit Residential | 600 m² | 4 | - | - | 10.5 m |
Permitted uses in R5
- Duplex
- Multiple Family Dwelling
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory, only where two or fewer principal dwelling units exist)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
R5 zoning FAQ
What is R5 zoning in Nanaimo?
R5 (Three and Four Unit Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for the development of small-scale multiple family residential dwellings, of up to four units, that are compatible with the scale or enhance the architectural style of single family residential development within the area.
What can you build on R5-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R5 include Duplex, Multiple Family Dwelling, Single Residential Dwelling, Boarding and Lodging (accessory), Daycare (accessory), among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
How tall can a building be in R5?
R5 permits a maximum building height of 10.5 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
How many units are allowed in R5 zoning?
R5 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
- R1 - Single Dwelling Residential
- R1b - Single Dwelling Residential (subzone)
- R2 - Single Dwelling Residential - Small Lot
- R3 - Island Residential
- R4 - Two 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