FAQs

The Interactive Mapping section of the website lets you view the zoning of any parcel in the City.  Once you have identified that, you can look up the relevant zone in the Zoning Bylaw below.

• Zoning Bylaw 3250, 2006 (Schedule A Text)
• Zoning Bylaw 3250, 2006 (Schedule B Map)

On any lot except Rural and Lakeshore Zones, the maximum combined floor area of all ancillary buildings must not be in excess of 80 sqm (861 sqft).  In the three Rural Zones (RU-1, RU-2 & RU-3) and two Lakeshore Zones (LS-R & LS-C) the size limit is 160sqm (1722 sqft).  If you wish to build in excess of this size, you will need to apply for a Development Variance Permit. Other requirements apply to ancillary buildings, including height restrictions, which can be found in section 4.12 of the Zoning Bylaw.

Not all development requires a Development Permit or zoning change, and structures less than 10 sqm (107 sqft) usually don’t even require a Building Permit.  If you suspect a larger structure is being built without a permit, please contact the Community Planning & Development Services on 250-286-5725, who can check and make sure a valid permit exists.  It is often a good idea to try and talk to a neighbor directly before contacting the City.

No, the requirements for home-based businesses are that they are run from the main dwelling.  Detailed requirements are set out in the section 4.9 of the  Zoning Bylaw If you require ancillary space for running your business you should consider finding appropriate premises, or in exceptional cases, apply for a Development Variance Permit.

You should always check with the Development Services department before starting any development, no matter how minor.  While residential additions don’t normally require a Form & Character Development Permit, they do sometimes require an Environmental Development Permit, particularly if there are ditches or streams nearby.  Owners are not always aware when the 30m or 50m protection zone of a watercourse extends onto their property, or if there is an Eagle tree nearby.

The City’s zoning and business licence bylaws do not reference short term rental accommodations and therefore do not permit them. The new regulations from the Province of BC on short term rental accommodations do not impact the City of Campbell River as short term rentals is an unpermitted use within the community.  

The City provides business licences to bed and breakfasts that comply with the definition and conditions set out in the Zoning Bylaw 3250, 2006. Short term rental accommodations cannot receive business licences as they are an unpermitted use within the community.  

Provincial housing initiatives and Bill 44

A secondary suite is legal if it is permitted under current zoning, has been issued a building permit, meets building code and has passed occupancy.  

The Province is requiring changes to Zoning Bylaws to permit secondary suites and these changes must be completed by the City by June 30, 2024. If a secondary suite will become zoning complaint because of these changes, that suite must also have a valid building permit and meet building code before it is considered legal.  

Current zoning remains in effect, as outlined in the Zoning Bylaw. Changes must be completed by the City by June 30, 2024, and the City will update the public of all changes.  

Bill 44 permits low density development on a parcel of land without requiring a rezoning, so long as those parcels meet certain criteria, such as: 

• a minimum of three units on a parcel that is less than 280 sq m; 
• a minimum four units a parcel for lots that are larger than 281 sq m; 
• the parcels are serviced with water and sanitary; and  
• the parcels are within an Urban Containment Boundary.  

Units may be in the form of single detached dwellings with suites/secondary residences, duplexes with suites or secondary residences, triplexes with one suite or secondary residence, or a four-plex.  

Bill 44 does not blanket zone parcels of land for high density development, such as apartment buildings.  

No. At this time there are no areas within the City that meet the Transit Oriented Area criteria. This may change in the future.  

The following zonings will change to a new Residential Infill (R-I) zone:  RE-1, R-1, R-1A, R-SD, R1-B, R1-C, R-2, R-2A, and R-3. The intent of these zoning changes is to align with the Provincial mandates of Bill 44 and implement small scale multi-unit housing. The Residential Infill (R-I) zone will replace these nine ‘restricted zones’ in order to permit up to three or four units per lot, depending on the lot’s size. Further information about the new Residential Infill zone can be found in the May 23, 2024, report to Council.

Yes. Bill 44 requires local governments to permit at least one secondary suite and/or accessory dwelling unit in all single-residential zones. Therefore, the following zones will be modified to permit the density allowed under Bill 44: RM-1, RM-2, CS-1A1, CD-1A3, LS-R, RU-1, RU-2, and RU-3. However, all other zoning requirements and designations related to those eight zones will remain as they are now, and are not being collapsed into a new zone.

A report with the proposed zoning amendments received first, second and third readings from Council at the Regular Council meeting on May 23, 2024. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3958, 2024, will be considered for adoption at the June 4, 2024, Council meeting. The Province requires that these Zoning Bylaw changes are put in place by June 30, 2024. Further information on timelines and requirements can be found in the Provincial Policy Manual & Site Standards.  

Properties outside of the urban containment boundary with the zonings LS-R, RU-1, RU-2, or RU-3, will be permitted to have one additional unit on the property, up to a maximum of two units total. Due to limited servicing, these properties are not permitted the three to four units per lot that is permitted for properties within the urban containment boundary.