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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 (City Plan) was adopted in 2022 and is the City’s strategic planning document, that provides direction for the coming 25 years on land use, Truth and Reconciliation, climate adaptation, health and wellness, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, economic prosperity, sustainable living, and more. 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 Density Bonusing provisions in ‘Schedule D’ of the Zoning Bylaw No. 4500, which provide developer's the option to build to a higher density in exchange for providing amenities or non-market housing. Through the Zoning Bylaw Update, there is an opportunity to refine the amenity and non-market housing provisions. This review includes financial testing of additional density provisions as required by Provincial legislation by June 30th, 2026.

Inclusionary Zoning and Pre-Zoning for Non-Market Housing 

Two additional initiatives to support the construction of non-market housing will be explored as part of the Zoning Bylaw Update. The first includes testing the feasibility of Inclusionary Zoning, a new tool that the Province of BC has granted to local governments which would require new residential developments to include non-market housing units. The second includes exploring Pre-Zoning lands within Urban Centres and Corridor Future Land Use Designations to support the construction of non-market 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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