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Zoning Bylaw Update

Overview

The Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw No. 4500 was adopted in 2011 and regulates land use zoning in Nanaimo including permitted uses, density, building form, environmental protections, and other requirements related to land use and development. To address a number of strategic City Plan goals and recent Provincial legislation, the Zoning Bylaw is undergoing a comprehensive review and update.

Key Focus Areas

Align Zoning Bylaw with City Plan

City Plan: Nanaimo Reimagined was adopted in 2022 and sets the City’s overall direction and long-term vision.  The Zoning Bylaw Update will review existing zoning for alignment with City Plan policies.

Residential Zoning for Housing

The Provincial Small-Scale Multi Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation led to Zoning Bylaw amendments in 2024.  Through the Zoning Bylaw Update, there is opportunity to further refine SSMUH regulations and assess opportunities to increase housing options.

Additional Density Provisions

There are currently additional density provisions in ‘Schedule D’ of the Zoning Bylaw.  There is opportunity for these provisions to be refined, and new Provincial legislation requires financial testing of additional density provisions by June 30th, 2026.

Inclusionary Zoning and Pre-Zoning for Affordable Housing

Financial feasibility analysis will take place for inclusionary zoning (requirements for affordable housing in new development), as well as analysis for potential pre-zoning for affordable housing.

Bylaw Format for Ease of Use

The Zoning Bylaw Update will review the format, layout, clarity of language, and other aspects of the bylaw to create a user-friendly document.

 

For more information, please contact Caleb Horn, Planner: Caleb.Horn@nanaimo.ca

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