Zoning

The Regional District currently has 2 zoning bylaws -

• Land Use and Subdivision Bylaw No. 500, 1987 which provides land use regulations for properties within all Electoral Areas except Electoral Area 'B' (Gabriola Island) and 'F' (Errington, Coombs, Whiskey Creek & Hilliers); and
• Zoning and Subdivision Bylaw No. 1285, 2002 which provides zoning and subdivision regulations for properties within Electoral Area 'F' (Errington, Coombs, Whiskey Creek & Hilliers).

These bylaws contain regulations outlining the specific zone of each parcel of land (including the surface of water) and how a property may be developed. The regulations provide what land uses are permitted on a property and include specific provisions such as the maximum number of dwelling units; the minimum setback and maximum height requirements of buildings and structures; and the maximum parcel coverage allowed on a lot. Minimum parcel sizes are also regulated under these bylaws.

Prior to purchasing property, obtaining house plans, embarking on a new use, or undertaking construction of a building or structure, it is suggested that the Planning Department be contacted to confirm the zoning and land use regulations for a property.

Bylaw No. 500 and 1285 are available for purchase from the Planning Department as follows:

Bylaw No. 500 - $25.00 plus tax for the text portion and $5.00 plus tax for each map. [Click here to view bylaw]

Bylaw 1285 - $10.00 plus tax for the text and $20.00 for 1:20000 sized maps or $10.00 for reduced size. [Click here to view bylaw]