R8 Zoning in Nanaimo - Medium Density Residential
R8: Medium Density Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for medium-density, multiple family developments on specific lots that are compatible with other residential and neighboring commercial land uses.
On a typical R8-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 0.45–1.5, a maximum height of 14 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, R8 also lists hotel (site-specific only), Personal Care Facility (site-specific only), and Boarding and Lodging (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R8 district
This zone provides for medium-density, multiple family developments on specific lots that are compatible with other residential and neighboring commercial land uses.
R8 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 0.45–1.5 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 14 m |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R8
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Density Residential | 1800 m² | - | 1.25 | 1.5 | 14 m |
| Medium Density Residential | 1800 m² | - | 0.45 | - | 14 m |
| Medium Density Residential | 1800 m² | - | 0.45 | - | 14 m |
| Medium Density Residential | 1800 m² | - | 0.45 | - | 14 m |
| Medium Density Residential | 1800 m² | - | 0.45 | - | 14 m |
| Medium Density Residential | 1800 m² | - | 0.45 | - | 14 m |
| Medium Density Residential | 1800 m² | - | 1.25 | 1.5 | 14 m |
Permitted uses in R8
- Hotel (site-specific only)
- Multiple Family Dwelling
- Personal Care Facility (site-specific only)
- Rooming House
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Convenience Store (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
R8 zoning FAQ
What is R8 zoning in Nanaimo?
R8 (Medium Density Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for medium-density, multiple family developments on specific lots that are compatible with other residential and neighboring commercial land uses.
What can you build on R8-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R8 include Hotel (site-specific only), Multiple Family Dwelling, Personal Care Facility (site-specific only), Rooming House, Single Residential Dwelling, among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for R8 in Nanaimo?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in R8 generally ranges from about 0.45 up to 1.5. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in R8?
R8 permits a maximum building height of 14 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
- R6 - Low Density Residential
- R7 - Row House Residential
Look up a specific address in Nanaimo
Source: official Nanaimo zoning bylaw (PDF) · updated October 2026