R9 Zoning in Nanaimo - High Density (High Rise) Residential
R9: High Density (High Rise) Residential is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for high density residential development for specific lots that support a high rise building form.
On a typical R9-zoned lot you can expect an FSR of roughly 3.0–3.6, a maximum height of 66 m (20 storeys), 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, R9 also lists Boarding and Lodging (accessory), Convenience Store (accessory), and daycare (accessory) among its permitted uses.
Intent of the R9 district
This zone provides for high density residential development for specific lots that support a high rise building form.
R9 at a glance
| Floor space ratio (FSR) | 3.0–3.6 |
|---|---|
| Max height | 66 m |
| Max storeys (by right) | 20 |
| Site coverage | 40% |
| Zone category | Residential |
Density tiers in R9
| Tier | Min lot area | Max units | Base FSR | Bonus FSR | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Density (High Rise) Residential | 1800 m² | - | 3.0 | 3.25 | 36 m |
| High Density (High Rise) Residential | 1800 m² | - | 3.6 | - | 36 m |
| High Density (High Rise) Residential | 1800 m² | - | 3.0 | 3.25 | 66 m |
Permitted uses in R9
- Multiple Family Dwelling
- Single Residential Dwelling
- Boarding and Lodging (accessory)
- Convenience Store (accessory)
- Daycare (accessory)
- Home Based Business (accessory)
- Secondary Suite (accessory)
- Short-Term Rental (accessory)
R9 zoning FAQ
What is R9 zoning in Nanaimo?
R9 (High Density (High Rise) Residential) is a residential zoning district in the City of Nanaimo. This zone provides for high density residential development for specific lots that support a high rise building form.
What can you build on R9-zoned land in Nanaimo?
Permitted uses in R9 include Multiple Family Dwelling, Single Residential Dwelling, Boarding and Lodging (accessory), Convenience Store (accessory), Daycare (accessory), among others. Permitted uses are allowed outright; conditional uses may require Development Permit Board approval.
What is the FSR for R9 in Nanaimo?
Floor Space Ratio (FSR) in R9 generally ranges from about 3.0 up to 3.6. ZoneScout calculates the maximum buildable floor area for your specific lot.
How tall can a building be in R9?
R9 permits a maximum building height of 66 m, generally about 20 storeys. 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