R6 Zoning in Nanaimo - Low Density Residential
R6: Low Density Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for a mixture of low density ground-oriented multiple family developments on lots compatible with other residential development in the area.
On a typical R6-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.45–0.81, a maximum height of 13 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, R6 also lists Boarding and Lodging (accessory), daycare (accessory), and Short-Term Rental (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R6 district
This zone provides for a mixture of low density ground-oriented multiple family developments on lots compatible with other residential development in the area.
R6 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.45–0.81 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 13 m |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R6
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.45 | 0.6 | 9 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.65 | - | 9 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.7 | - | 9.2 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.75 | - | 13 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.75 | - | 13 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.62 | - | 9 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.62 | - | 9 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.81 | - | 12.5 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.79 | - | 10.7 m |
| Low Density Residential | 1200 m² | - | 0.45 | 0.6 | 11.3 m |
Permitted uses in R6
- 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)
R6 zoning FAQ
What is R6 zoning in Nanaimo?
R6 (Low Density Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for a mixture of low density ground-oriented multiple family developments on lots compatible with other residential development in the area.
What can you build on R6-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R6 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 R6 in Nanaimo?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in R6 generally ranges from about 0.45 up to 0.81. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in R6?
R6 permits a maximum building height of 13 m. Height can be affected by view corridors, setbacks, and the specific form of development.
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
- R7 - Row House Residential
- R8 - Medium Density Residential
Look up a specific address in Nanaimo
Source: official Nanaimo zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026