This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot d97cda352a15 · verified 2026-08-23 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
CITY OF NANAIMO
BYLAW NO. 7453
A BYLAW TO REGULATE DEVELOPMENT OFF-STREET PARKING AND
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF NANAIMO
WHEREAS the Council of the City of Nanaimo may by bylaw, require owners or occupiers
of any land, or of any building or other structure, to provide off-street parking and loading spaces
pursuant to Section 525 of the Local Government Act;
WHEREAS the Council of the City of Nanaimo may by bylaw, require owners or occupiers
of any land, or of any building or other structure, to provide transportation demand management
pursuant to Section 527 of the Local Government Act;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Nanaimo in open meeting
assembled, hereby ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
PART I - TITLE AND INTERPRETATION
Title
1.1
This Bylaw may be cited as the City of Nanaimo "Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw
2026 No. 7453".
Severability
1.2
If any section of this Bylaw is held to be invalid by a Court of competent jurisdiction, that
section shall be severed and the validity of the remaining portions of this Bylaw shall not
be affected.
Interpretation
1.3
In the event of a conflict between this Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw regarding a regulation
or requirement for off-street parking and loading spaces and transportation demand
management, this Bylaw shall prevail.
Repeal of Previous Bylaw & Transition for In-Stream Development Permit Applications
1.4
The "Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw 2018 No.7266" and amendments thereto are
hereby repealed.
i.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of "Off-Street Parking Regulations
Bylaw 2018 No. 7266" and amendments thereto shall apply to in-stream Form and
Character Development Permit applications where a complete application was
received prior to the introduction of this Bylaw on June 22, 2026, except where an
owner opts in writing to comply with the provisions of this Bylaw.
ii.
For clarity, the provisions of this Bylaw shall apply to all Form and Character
Development Permit applications received on or after June 22, 2026.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 2
Definitions
1.5
In this Bylaw, the following words, terms, phrases or expressions shall have the respective
meaning hereinafter assigned to them:
"ACCESSIBLE PARKING
SPACE"
means a parking space for use by a vehicle displaying a valid
accessible parking permit.
"BICYCLE PARKING
SPACE"
means Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces and Long-Term
Bicycle Parking Spaces.
"CAR SHARE
OPERATOR"
means a car share operator licensed to operate in the City of
Nanaimo.
"CITY PLAN"
means the "City Plan Bylaw 2022 No. 6600" and amendments
thereto, and any subsequent bylaw or bylaws which may be
enacted in the substitution thereof.
"CLASS A LOADING
SPACE"
means a Loading Space with the dimensions set out in the 'Class
A' column in Table 7 of this Bylaw, intended for the use of smaller
vehicles, for activities such as deliveries and passenger pick-
up/drop-off.
"CLASS B LOADING
SPACE"
means a Loading Space with the dimensions set out in the 'Class
B' column in Table 7 of this Bylaw, intended for the delivery of
commercial goods by larger trucks or other commercial vehicles.
"DRIVEWAY"
means a lane used for access to or from any parking area.
"ELECTRIC VEHICLE"
means a Vehicle that uses electricity for propulsion, and that can
use an external source of electricity to charge the battery.
"ENERGIZED OUTLET"
means a connected point in an electrical wiring installation at
which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
"EV READY PARKING
SPACE"
means a Parking Space that features a dedicated adjacent
energized electrical outlet capable of providing Level 2 Charging
for an Electric Vehicle.
"GROUND-ANCHORED
BICYCLE PARKING"
means a Bicycle Parking Space that utilizes a theft-resistant rack
securely mounted with at least two points of contact to the
ground that allows bicycles to be stored without having to lift or
otherwise raise the bicycle off the ground.
"LEVEL 1 CHARGING"
means a Level 1 electric vehicle charging level as defined by
SAE International's J1772 standard, as amended from time to
time, and includes variable rate charging that is controlled by an
electric vehicle energy management system through a 120-volt
circuit.
"LEVEL 2 CHARGING"
means a Level 2 electric vehicle charging level as defined by
SAE International's J1772 standard, as amended from time to
time, and includes variable rate charging that is controlled by an
electric vehicle energy management system through a 208- or
240-volt circuit.
"LOADING SPACE"
means an area on a lot for persons accessing, leaving, loading
or unloading a Vehicle.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 3
"LONG-TERM BICYCLE
PARKING SPACE"
means a space located in a secure, weather-protected parking
facility used to accommodate long-term parking of bicycles, such
as for residents or employees within a building.
"LOT"
means any parcel, block, or other area in which land is held or
into which it is subdivided whether under the Land Title Act or
the Bare Land Strata Regulations under the Strata Property Act
and includes a water lot but does not include a phased
subdivision boundary nor an air space parcel.
"MIXED-USE
DEVELOPMENT"
means where a use listed in Table 2 is located on the same Lot
as a Multiple Family Dwelling use.
"MOBILITY SCOOTER"
means a power-operated mobility aid similar to a wheelchair but
configured with a flat area for the feet and handlebars for
steering designed to accommodate one person.
"MOBILITY SCOOTER
PARKING SPACE"
means an area dedicated for Mobility Scooter parking.
"NON-STANDARD
BICYCLE"
means oversized bicycles such as cargo bicycles, bicycles with
trailers, recumbent bicycles, and other larger bicycles.
"NON-STANDARD
BICYCLE PARKING
SPACE"
means a Long-Term Bicycle Parking Space with the minimum
dimensions set out in Table 12 to accommodate a Non-Standard
Bicycle.
"OFF-STREET
PARKING"
means the parking allotment required under this Bylaw for a
given Lot based on a specific use of the land, building or
structure, and for clarity includes Parking Spaces, Bicycle
Parking Spaces, Visitor Parking Spaces, Accessible Parking
Spaces, Mobility Scooter Parking Spaces and Loading Spaces.
"PARKING LOT"
means an area used for the parking of Vehicles.
"PARKING SPACE"
means a space within a Lot, and which may be within a building,
for the parking of one Vehicle, excluding Driveways, ramps,
columns, office and work areas.
"RETAIL TRADE AND
SERVICE CENTRE"
means one or more buildings containing two or more retail, office
or service-related uses, which share common services and
parking on a lot.
"SHORT-TERM
BICYCLE PARKING
SPACE"
means a space in a short-term bicycle parking facility that is
accessible to visitors and located near the building entrance.
"SMALL CAR PARKING
SPACE"
means a Parking Space with the dimensions set out in Table
5 of this Bylaw.
"STACKED BICYCLE
PARKING"
means a Bicycle Parking Space that utilizes a theft-resistant
rack system to store bicycles off the ground with lift
assistance from ramps, hydraulics, or other methods that do
not require users to lift both wheels off the ground.
"STACKING LANE"
means a lane reserved for Vehicles waiting to access a drive-
through service window.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 4
"TANDEM PARKING
SPACE"
means two Parking Spaces that are sited with one in front of
the other, with a single route of ingress or egress for
Vehicles.
"TRANSIT-ADJACENT
LANDS"
means any lot specified as Transit-Adjacent Lands in
Schedule B of this Bylaw.
"TRANSPORTATION
DEMAND
MANAGEMENT"
means any measures that improve the movement of people
and goods by reducing motor vehicle dependence and
increasing sustainable transportation.
"VAN ACCESSIBLE
PARKING SPACE"
means an Accessible Parking Space designed and installed
for parking larger vehicles, such as wheelchair-accessible
vans.
"VEHICLE"
means a motor vehicle as defined within the Zoning Bylaw.
"VISITOR PARKING
SPACE"
means a Parking Space that is made available to non-
residents of a building.
"WALL-MOUNTED
BICYCLE PARKING"
means a Bicycle Parking Space that utilizes a theft-resistant
rack to store bicycles in a vertical configuration against a wall.
"ZONING BYLAW"
means the City of Nanaimo "Zoning Bylaw 2011 No. 4500"
and amendments thereto or any subsequent bylaw or bylaws
which may be enacted in substitution thereof.
1.6
The Zoning Bylaw applies for the purposes of this Bylaw. Terms capitalized and not
defined in this Bylaw have the meaning given to them in the Zoning Bylaw.
Fractional Numbers
1.7
Where the calculation of a parking requirement results in a fractional number, the number
shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number where the fractional portion equals or
exceeds 0.5. Otherwise, it will be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 5
PART II - OFF-STREET PARKING APPLICATION, REQUIREMENT AND
REGULATIONS
Application
2.1
i.
This Bylaw applies to all land in the City of Nanaimo, except as otherwise specified
within this Bylaw.
ii.
The owner of a Lot shall provide and maintain the requirements for Off-Street
Parking and Transportation Demand Management set out in this Bylaw.
iii.
Where a Lot has a use that is not listed in this Bylaw, the off-street parking
requirements for that Lot shall be the same as the requirements for a similar use,
as determined by the Director of Planning & Development or their designate.
Existing Uses
2.2
The requirements contained within this Bylaw shall not apply to buildings, structures, or
uses existing at the time of adoption of this Bylaw, except:
i.
where there is a cumulative increase in gross floor area of a building or structure
over a five-year period due to an addition or external renovation and the gross
floor area is increased by more than 10% or 100 m2, whichever is lesser, the Off-
Street Parking shall be increased to equal or exceed the Off-Street Parking
required in applying the provisions of this Bylaw to the entire building, structure or
Lot, including the addition or external renovation;
ii.
where any building or structure undergoes a change of Major Occupancy under
the British Columbia Building Code that results in an increase in any Off-Street
Parking requirement beyond 20% of the required Off-Street Parking for the
current use, that specific Off-Street Parking requirement shall be updated to meet
the provisions of this Bylaw to the entire building, structure or lot that results from
the change in occupancy;
iii.
notwithstanding Section 2.2 ii., where any building or structure undergoes a
change of Major Occupancy under the British Columbia Building Code, the
requirements to provide Short Term Bicycle Parking per Part VII of this Bylaw
shall apply; and
iv.
Off-Street Parking existing at the time of adoption of this Bylaw shall not be
reduced below the applicable Off-Street Parking regulations of this Section.
Off-Site Parking
2.3
Unless otherwise specified, all Off-Street Parking required to be provided in accordance
with this Bylaw must be located on the same Lot as the use or building for which the Off-
Street Parking is required or on a separate Lot located within 50 m, as measured lot line
to lot line, provided that the off-site parking:
i.
is not located on a Lot zoned as residential unless there is a principal use
occurring on that Lot;
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 6
ii.
is protected by an easement for the benefit of the Lot for which the Off-Street
Parking is required and a covenant under Section 219 of the Land Title Act in
favour of the City of Nanaimo that ensures that the land will be used to provide
Off-Street Parking in accordance with this Bylaw;
iii.
is not located across a road from the use or building for which the Off-Street
Parking is required, which is designated as an Urban Arterial, Mobility Arterial,
Urban Collector, Mobility Collector, or Industrial Collector road within the City
Plan or a highway under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Ministry of
Transportation and Transit; and
iv.
does not include any of the required Accessible, Mobility Scooter, Loading, or
Bicycle Parking Spaces which must be provided on the Lot.
Multiple Uses
2.4
Where there is more than one use on a Lot, Off-Street Parking shall be provided for each
use cumulatively, except:
i.
where the use is Retail Trade and Service Centre, then Off-Street Parking shall
be provided for these uses as specified in Part 4 of this Bylaw;
ii.
where a Lot is included within a Comprehensive Development District Zone as
established in the Zoning Bylaw, Off-Street Parking shall be required as specified
within the zone if applicable; or,
iii.
where shared parking is provided in accordance with Section 4.3.i of this Bylaw.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 7
PART III - DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
Curbs and Wheel Stops
3.1
The owner of a Lot shall ensure that:
i.
all Parking Spaces shall be provided with adequate curbs to retain all Vehicles
within the Parking Spaces, and to ensure that required fences, screens, walls,
hedges or landscape areas, as well as any buildings, are protected from damage
during the parking of Vehicles;
ii.
all Parking Spaces abutting a landscape area, pedestrian pathway or utility shall
have a wheel stop located 1.0 m from the end of the Parking Space, except
where parallel or located in a structure; and,
iii.
where continuous curbs are used as wheel stops, the measured size of Parking
Spaces shall be reduced 1.0 m in length than otherwise required. In such
instances, the parking layout should allow for the Vehicle to overhang the curb by
1.0 m and such overhang area must be clear of all obstructions (structures,
signs, landscape, trees, etc.), must be distinguished from the pedestrian pathway
using different paving treatment or a physical barrier and may not be regarded as
a required landscape area.
Drainage and Grading
3.2
The owner of a Lot shall ensure that:
i.
all Parking Lots are graded and drained to shed and dispose of all surface water
without directing or allowing surface water to flow across sidewalks;
ii.
drainage and grading for Parking Lots are designed to prevent damage or
inconvenience to abutting lots and/or public streets;
iii.
pedestrian sidewalk ramps shall be installed to provide access from Parking Lots
to the building served for accessibility at a grade not exceeding 5%; and,
iv.
the maximum grade and cross slope for a Parking Space or Parking Lot shall not
exceed 8%.
Paving
3.3
The owner of a Lot shall ensure that:
i.
all Off-Street Parking, except those accessory to a Single Residential Dwelling,
Accessory Dwelling Unit, Secondary Suite, or Multi-Family Dwelling (4 units or
less) are surfaced with asphalt, concrete, pavers or similar durable, dust free
surface;
ii.
notwithstanding Section 3.3.i, the requirements to pave a Parking Lot shall not
apply where no form and character development permit is required; and,
iii.
where an owner provides more surface Parking Spaces than the minimum
required by Part 4 of this Bylaw, that portion of the surface Parking Lot which
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 8
exceeds the minimum requirements under this Bylaw must be surfaced with a
durable permeable material, including where there is no minimum required
Vehicle parking.
Lighting
3.4
The owner of a Lot shall ensure that lighting used to illuminate any Parking Lot shall be
arranged and installed so that all direct rays of light are reflected upon such Parking Lot
and minimize impacts on dwelling units and adjacent sites.
Signs and Markings
3.5
The owner of a Lot shall ensure:
i.
the borders of all Parking Spaces are marked with durable painted lines at least
100 mm wide and extending the length of the space or by curbs or other means
approved by the Director of Planning & Development or their designate to
indicate individual spaces;
ii.
signs or other markers that comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices standards are installed within a Parking Lot to ensure efficient and safe
traffic operation; and
iii.
all signs, markers, or any other method used to indicate direction of traffic
movement and location of Off-Street Parking are maintained in a clean and
legible condition.
Stacking Lanes
3.6
Where a Stacking Lane is used on a lot for drive-through services, the owner of a Lot shall
provide an adequate Stacking Lane of sufficient length to accommodate the actual number
of Vehicles waiting at least 90% of the time the business is open so that congestion is not
created by Vehicles waiting for service.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 9
PART IV - OFF-STREET VEHICLE PARKING
Vehicle Parking Supply for Multiple Family Dwelling Uses of 5 or More Dwelling Units
4.1
i.
The required number of Parking Spaces per dwelling unit for a Multiple Family
Dwelling use of 5 or more Dwelling Units varies based on the number of bedrooms
and the location of the Lot within Areas 1 to 5 as shown in Schedule A, and shall
be provided in accordance with Table 1.
Table 1 - Minimum Vehicle Parking Space Requirements - Multiple Family Dwelling Uses
of 5 or More Dwelling Units on a Lot
Number of
Bedrooms
Off-Street Vehicle Parking Supply Requirement
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
Area 5
2+
1.6
1.45
1.25
0.90
No minimum
requirement
1
1.25
1.05
0.90
0.50
Studio
1.05
0.90
0.75
0.45
ii.
Any Multiple Family Dwelling uses located in Area 5, as identified in Schedule A,
may only exceed the Vehicle Parking Space requirements in Table 1 by 50% more
than the Parking Space requirement for Area 4.
iii.
Notwithstanding the minimum parking requirements in Table 1, the required
number of Parking Spaces shall be reduced by 25% of the minimum requirement
where:
a.
The Lot is located within Transit-Adjacent Lands as identified in Schedule
B; and
b.
A Transit Transportation Demand Management measure is provided in
accordance with Section 8.1.iii of this Bylaw.
Vehicle Parking Supply for All Other Uses
4.2
i.
The minimum number of Parking Spaces for all other uses shall be provided in
accordance with Table 2.
ii.
In Area 5, per Schedule A, there is no minimum requirement for the number of
Vehicle Parking Spaces.
iii.
In Area 5, per Schedule A, parking supply cannot exceed the minimum Vehicle
Parking Space requirements in Table 2 by more than 50%.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 10
Table 2 - Minimum Parking Supply Requirements - All Other Uses
Use
Off-Street Vehicle Parking Supply Requirement
Residential
Single Residential Dwelling
2 spaces per dwelling unit
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Secondary Suite
1 space
Multiple Family Dwelling
(4 dwelling units or less on a Lot)
Mobile Home Park
Recreational Vehicle Park
1.5 spaces per dwelling unit in the Suburban
Neighbourhood land use designation as identified in
City Plan.
1 space per dwelling unit in all other land use
designations as identified in City Plan
Seniors Congregate Housing
Rooming House
Student Housing
0.5 spaces per bed
Personal Care Facility
0.3 spaces per bed
Home Based Business
No requirement for Type 1 businesses
1 space per Type 2 or Type 3 business
Institutional
Secondary School
Community Centre or Cultural
Facility
Library
1 space per 70 m2 GFA
Elementary School
1 space per 100 m2 GFA
Religious Institution
Assembly Hall
1 space per 40 m2 GFA
Industrial
Light Industrial
Custom Workshop
Production Studio
Food and Beverage Processing
Manufacturing/Contractor's Office
1 space per 100 m2 GFA
Automotive Repair Shop
1 space per 40 m2 GFA
Furniture & Appliance Sales
1 space per 200 m2 GFA
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 11
Warehouse
Mini-Storage
Wholesale
Manufacturing
Industry (excluding Light Industrial)
Commercial
Financial Institution
Retail / Personal Service
Office
Restaurant / Neighbourhood Pub
1 space per 30 m2 GFA
Retail Trade and Service Centre
1 space per 40 m2 GFA
Hotel
1 space per sleeping unit
Short-Term Rental
1 space per rental unit
Recreational Facility
1 space per 50 m2 GFA
Marina
Yacht Club
1 space per 3 berths
Commercial School
1 space per 70 m2 GFA
Daycare
1 space plus 1 space per 40 m2 GFA
Entertainment (nightclubs, cabarets,
cinemas, theatres and the like)
1 space per 40 m2 GFA
Reduced Parking Conditions
4.3
The number of Parking Spaces required under Sections 4.1 or 4.2 may be reduced in
accordance with this Section 4.3.
i.
For a Mixed-Use Development, Parking Spaces may be shared between the uses,
and, if so, the cumulative total of Parking Spaces required for all the uses on the
lot may be reduced from that required in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 to the amount
calculated using Table 3 and subject to the following requirements:
a.
Parking Space reductions shall be calculated by multiplying the combined
number of Parking Spaces required for each land use in Sections 4.1 and
4.2 by the percentage shown in Table 3.
b.
Where three or more uses are located within a Mixed-Use Development,
the reduction rate that results in the greatest number of required Parking
Spaces shall apply.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 12
Table 3 - Shared Parking Reduction with Multiple Family Dwelling Uses
Use
Shared Parking
Reduction
Office
80%
Commercial School
85%
Retail
90%
Retail Trade and Service Centre
90%
Restaurant / Neighbourhood
Pub
90%
Religious Institution
90%
c.
At least 80% of the required Parking Spaces must be unassigned and
accessible to commercial employees and customers, and residential
owners, residents and tenants.
d.
For Parking Spaces to be permitted to be shared between uses, the
Multiple Family Dwelling use must occupy 10% to 90% of the total gross
floor area of all buildings on the Lot.
ii.
Where a home-based business operates exclusively online or as a mobile
business as declared on the business licence application, the Parking Space(s)
that would otherwise be required for a home-based business under Section 4.2
shall not be required.
iii.
Where a Lot is located on Protection Island, Vehicle Parking Space requirements
do not apply.
iv.
Where optional Transportation Demand Management measures are provided in
accordance with Section 8.1.iv Parking Space requirements shall be reduced
accordingly.
Visitor Parking
4.4
i.
Where a lot is developed for Multiple Family Dwelling or Seniors Congregate Care
use, a minimum of 8% of all required Vehicle Parking Spaces shall be designated
Visitor Parking Spaces. The number of Visitor Parking Spaces may count towards
the total number of required Parking Spaces required per Sections 4.1 and 4.2.
ii
Where Parking Spaces are provided for a Multiple Family Dwelling or Seniors
Congregate Care use in Area 5, per Schedule A, a minimum of 8% of all Parking
Spaces shall be designated Visitor Parking Space.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 13
Electric Vehicle Parking
4.5
i.
All Parking Spaces for Multiple Family Dwellings, Seniors Congregate Care,
Student Housing, and any other residential common parking areas, excluding
Visitor Parking Spaces, shall be Level 2 EV Ready Parking Spaces.
ii.
All other residential uses shall be provided with an energized outlet installed
adjacent to each Parking Space for the purpose of charging and Electric Vehicle.
The energized outlet shall be capable of supporting connection of Level 1
Charging.
iii.
15% of all required Parking Spaces within a Retail Trade and Service Centre shall
be provided as Level 2 EV Ready Parking Spaces.
Standard Vehicle Parking Space Dimensions
4.6
i.
Table 4 establishes the minimum dimensions and designs for standard size
Parking Spaces and Parking Lots as required in this Bylaw:
Table 4 - Parking Space Dimensions (Standard Vehicle)
Angle of Parking Spaces
Description
Symbol
(Figure 1)
90°
Parallel
Space Width
A
2.75 m
2.5 m
Space Length
B
5.5 m
6.7 m
Aisle Width
C
6.7 m
3.9 m
ii.
Where the design of standard Parking Spaces or Parking Lots is proposed to be
different from the required design and dimensions presented in Table 4 and
Sections 4.6 and 4.7, the design of the Parking Lot must be undertaken by a
qualified professional to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning & Development
or their designate.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 14
Figure 1 - Vehicle Parking Dimensions, 90° (left) and Parallel (right)
Figure 1 illustrates the Parking Space dimensions and requirements outlined in
Section 4.6, Table 4 and Section 4.8, Table 5.
Obstructions
4.7
i.
In addition to Table 4, where a Parking Space abuts an obstruction (including but
not limited to columns, property lines, walls and fences) that would prevent any
door of a vehicle from opening fully, the Parking Space shall:
a.
be an additional 0.3 m wider where the Parking Space abuts an
obstruction on one side;
b.
be an additional 0.6 m wider where the Parking Space abuts an
obstruction on both sides;
c.
be an additional 0.8 m wider where the Parking Space abuts a doorway;
and
d.
be measured to the edge of the obstruction closest to the Parking Space.
Small Car Spaces
4.8
i.
Notwithstanding Section 4.6, Table 5 establishes the minimum dimensions and
design for Small Car Parking Spaces as required within this Bylaw:
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 15
Table 5 - Parking Space Dimensions (Small Car)
Angle of Parking Spaces
Description
Symbol
(Figure 1)
90
Parallel
Space Width
A
2.5 m
2.4 m
Space Length
B
4.6 m
6.7 m
Aisle Width
C
6.7 m
3.9 m
ii.
A maximum of 50% of the Parking Spaces provided on a Lot may be designated
as Small Car Parking Spaces in accordance with the dimension requirements
outlined in Table 5. Each Small Car Parking Space shall be clearly identified.
iii
Where the design of Small Car Parking Spaces is proposed to be different than
the required design and dimensions presented in Table 5 and Sections 4.7 and
4.8, the design of the Parking Lot must be undertaken by a qualified professional
to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning & Development or their designate.
Location of Parking
4.9
Where Parking Spaces are being provided for Multiple Family Dwelling uses comprised
of 5 or more dwelling units per Lot, surface Parking Spaces shall not be located on that
part of the lot between the front property line and the front face of the building.
Tandem Parking
4.10
The owner of a Lot may fulfil the Off-Street Parking requirements in this Bylaw by
providing Tandem Parking Spaces only in accordance with this Section 4.10.
i.
Tandem Parking Spaces are permitted only for:
a.
Single- Residential uses; or
b.
Multiple Family Dwelling uses where Tandem Parking Spaces are only
used for the same dwelling unit.
ii.
Required vehicle Parking Spaces for accessory uses are not permitted to be
provided as Tandem Parking Spaces with the principal dwelling unit; and
iii.
Designated Visitor Parking Spaces in Multiple Family Dwelling uses are not
permitted to be provided as Tandem Parking Spaces.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 16
PART V - LOADING SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Required Number of Loading Spaces
5.1
i.
The owner of a Lot on which a building or structure used for Multiple Family
Dwelling, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional or other similar use shall provide the
required number of Loading Spaces specified in Table 6:
Table 6 - Minimum Loading Space Supply Requirements
Loading Space Requirement
Use
Development Size
Class A
Class B
Commercial
(excluding Office)
Industrial
Less than 465 m2
-
-
465 m2 to 1,900 m2 GFA
1
1
1,900 m2 to 3,800 m2 GFA
1
2
Each additional 3,800 m2
GFA
1 additional space
1 additional space
Office
Institutional
Less than 500 m2 GFA
1
-
500 m2 to 2,800 m2 GFA
1
1
2,800 m2 to 5,600 m2 GFA
1
2
Each additional 2,800 m2
GFA
1 additional space
1 additional space
Multiple Family
Dwelling
Less than 30 dwelling units
-
-
30 to 100 dwelling units
1
-
Each additional 100
dwelling units
1 additional space
-
ii
Class A Loading Spaces and Class B Loading Spaces do not count towards
minimum vehicle parking requirements described in Part 4.
Location and Screening
5.2
i.
An owner of a Lot shall ensure that:
a.
no Loading Space shall encroach onto any street or onto any Parking
Space, Parking Lot, Driveway, pedestrian pathway, Bicycle Parking
Space, fire lane, or landscape buffer;
b.
access and egress for a Loading Space shall not interfere with adjacent
street traffic;
c.
Loading Spaces shall be located away from areas of pedestrian
movement;
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 17
d.
Loading Spaces shall be screened from view from driveway entrances,
parking areas, adjacent lots, and adjacent streets;
e.
unobstructed access and egress from a street is provided for all Loading
Spaces; and
f.
sufficient space is available on the Lot to allow all Vehicles to turn around
and exit the Lot without needing to reverse onto any collector, arterial or
provincial road.
Dimensions and Design of Off-Street Loading Spaces
5.3
i.
All Loading Spaces shall:
a.
adhere to the minimum dimensions outlined in Table 7; and
b.
be marked with signage as loading areas.
Table 7 - Minimum Dimensions of Loading Spaces
Minimum Dimensions
Class A
Consistent with standard Vehicle Parking Space dimensions
described in Section 4.6, Table 4
Class B
Width
3.0 m
Length
10.0 m
Vertical Clearance
4.2 m
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 18
PART VI - ACCESSIBLE & MOBILITY SCOOTER PARKING
Accessible Parking Supply
6.1
i.
Accessible Parking Spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 8:
Table 8 - Minimum Accessible Parking Supply Requirements
Use
Accessible Parking Supply Requirement
Residential Uses (greater
than 6 dwelling units)
One Accessible Parking Space plus 0.04 Accessible Parking
Spaces per dwelling unit.
Commercial and
Institutional Uses
One Accessible Parking Space where a use is 500 m2 of gross
floor area or larger plus 0.40 Accessible Parking Spaces for
every additional 1,000 m2 of gross floor area; or 2% of required
vehicle Parking Spaces, whichever is greater.
Industrial Uses
One Accessible Parking Space where a use is 500 m2 of gross
floor area or larger plus 0.40 Accessible Parking Spaces for
every additional 3,000 m2 of gross floor area.
Seniors' Congregate
Housing
Personal Care Facility
Where a use is 500 m2 of gross floor area or larger:
7% of required Vehicle Parking Spaces; or
One Accessible Parking Space plus 0.40 Accessible Parking
Spaces for every additional 1,000 m2 of gross floor area,
whichever is greater.
ii.
The first Accessible Parking Space shall be a Van Accessible Parking Space, and
every sixth Accessible Parking Space thereafter shall also be a Van Accessible
Parking Space.
iii.
The number of Accessible Parking Spaces count towards the overall number of
Parking Spaces required.
Accessible Parking Design
6.2
i.
Each Accessible Parking Space and Van Accessible Parking Space shall:
a.
be provided as 90-degree parking consistent with the dimensions in
Table 9;
b.
be clearly identified as being for use only by persons with a valid accessible
parking permit through pavement markings and signage;
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 19
c.
be located closest to an accessible building entrance or in a central location
where a Parking Lot serves several buildings;
d.
have a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface;
e.
include curb ramps on any curb between the Accessible Parking Space
and the building entrance where needed to facilitate circulation between
the parking surface level and sidewalk or walkway level;
f.
allow for a maximum grade of 5% for the Accessible Parking Space and
access from the Accessible Parking Space to a building or structure; and
g.
allow for two adjacent Accessible Parking Spaces to share a single access
aisle.
Table 9 - Minimum Dimensions of Accessible Parking Spaces and Van Accessible
Parking Spaces
Use
Minimum Dimensions
Accessible Parking
Space
Width
2.6 m
Length
5.5 m
Access Aisle Width
2.0 m
Vertical Clearance
2.3 m
Van Accessible Parking
Space
Width
3.4 m
Length
5.5 m
Access Aisle Width
2.0 m
Vertical Clearance
2.3 m
ii.
Where the design of accessible parking spaces is proposed to be different than
the design and dimensions presented in Table 9, the design of the Parking Lot
must be undertaken by a qualified professional to the satisfaction of the Director
of Planning & Development or their designate.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 20
Figure 2 - Accessible and Van Accessible Parking Dimensions
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 21
Mobility Scooter Parking Supply
6.3
i.
Mobility Scooter Parking Spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 10:
Table 10 - Minimum Mobility Scooter Parking Supply Requirements
Use
Mobility Scooter Parking Supply
Requirement
Seniors Congregate Housing
Personal Care Facility
2 spaces
Hotel
Office
Retail Trade and Service Centre
Institutional Uses
Restaurant / Neighbourhood Pub
1 space
ii.
In Seniors Congregate Housing and Personal Care Facility uses, Mobility Scooter
Parking Spaces may be provided in lieu of required Long-Term Bicycle Parking
Spaces at a ratio of 1:1.
Mobility Scooter Parking Design
6.4
i.
Mobility Scooter Parking Spaces shall:
a.
be no less than 1.0 m in width and 1.5 m in length;
b.
allow for Mobility Scooters to be parked without obstructing mobility of other
users provided in a secure location;
c.
provide a clear path of access and egress from a main entrance;
d.
be located within 2.0 m of an electrified 110V outlet;
e.
be separated from Bicycle Parking Spaces; and,
f.
be clearly identified as being for use of Mobility Scooters.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 22
PART VII - BICYCLE PARKING
Bicycle Parking Supply
7.1
i.
Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 11.
ii.
All lots within Area 5, as identified in Schedule A, must provide 20% additional
Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces and Long-term Bicycle Parking Spaces above
the requirements in Table 11.
Table 11 - Minimum Bicycle Parking Supply Requirements
Bicycle Parking Requirement
Use
Short-Term
Long-Term
Residential
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Secondary Suite
No requirement
1 space per dwelling unit
Single Residential Dwelling
Multiple Family Dwelling
(4 units or less)
No requirement
1 space per dwelling unit
Multiple Family Dwelling
(more than 4 units)
0.1 spaces per dwelling unit or
6 spaces, whichever is greater
1 space per dwelling unit
Mobile Home Park
Recreational Vehicle Park
6 spaces
1 space per unit
Personal Care Facility
Seniors Congregate
Housing
6 spaces
0.5 spaces per bed
Rooming House
Student Housing
6 spaces
1 space per bed
Home-Based Business
No requirement
No requirement
Institutional
Community Centre or
Cultural Facility
Library
1 space per 125 m2 GFA or 6
spaces, whichever is greater
1 space per 250 m2 GFA
Secondary School
Elementary School
3 spaces per classroom or 6
spaces, whichever is greater
1 space per 3 classrooms
Religious Institution
Assembly Hall
6 spaces
1 space per 400 m2 GFA
Industrial
Industrial Uses
No requirement
1 space per 1,000 m2 GFA
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 23
Commercial
Retail / Personal Service
Financial Institution
1 space per 150 m2 GFA
1 space per 300 m2 GFA
Office
6 spaces for a building larger
than 500 m2 GFA
1 space per 200 m2 GFA
Restaurant /
Neighbourhood Pub
1 space per 200 m2 GFA or 6
spaces, whichever is greater
1 space per 400 m2 GFA
Retail Trade and Service
Centre
1 space per 300 m2 GFA or 6
spaces, whichever is greater
1 space per 500 m2 GFA
Hotel
6 spaces
1 space per 15 sleeping units
Short-Term Rental
No requirement
1 space per rental unit
Recreational Facility
1 space per 125 m2 GFA or 6
spaces, whichever is greater
1 space per 200 m2 GFA
Marina
Yacht Club
6 spaces
1 space per 15 berths
Commercial School
1 space per 100 m2 GFA
1 space per 500 m2 GFA
Daycare
6 spaces
1 space per 250 m2 GFA
Entertainment (nightclubs,
cabarets, cinemas,
theatres and the like)
6 spaces
1 space per 700 m2 GFA
Bicycle Parking Design
7.2
i.
Bicycle Parking Space and aisle dimensions shall be in accordance with the
standards outlined in Table 12.
ii.
Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be well-lit, located at the surface level,
accessible to visitors or the public, physically separated from Vehicle parking
facilities, not interfere with pedestrian travel, and accessed by a ramp with a grade
not greater than 10%.
iii.
All Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be provided as Ground-Anchored
Bicycle Parking Spaces.
iv.
All Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be located in a dedicated, fully
enclosed, and weather-protected facility with controlled access.
v.
All Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be located at surface level or at the
first level of a Parking Lot accessed directly by an elevator from a primary building
entrance or by a Vehicle access ramp.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 24
vi.
All doors on the designated route to Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be
automatic doors.
vii.
Where provided in a shared common area, Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces
must adhere to the following configurations:
a.
A minimum of 50% must be Ground-Anchored Bicycle Parking.
b.
A maximum of 50% may be Stacked Bicycle Parking, as shown in Figure 4.
c.
A maximum of 30% may be Wall-Mounted Bicycle Parking, as shown in
Figure 4.
viii.
Notwithstanding Table 12, any Stacked Bicycle Parking Spaces must be provided
with the minimum operating space recommended by the manufacturer of the
specific product being implemented.
ix.
All Bicycle Parking Spaces must provide a means for the bicycle to be securely
locked to the rack with a commercially available lock provided by the user.
x.
A minimum of 25% of all Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces shall have access to
an electrified 110V outlet within 2.0 m of the Long-Term Bicycle Parking Space.
Table 12 - Minimum Dimensions of Short-Term and Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces
Minimum Dimensions
Width
Depth
Ground-Anchored Rack (standard)
0.9 m
1.8 m
Ground-Anchored Rack (non-standard)
0.9 m
2.4 m
Wall-Mounted Vertical Rack
0.6 m
1.2 m
Access Aisle
1.5 m
Access Aisle (adjacent to Stacked
Bicycle Parking spaces)
2.1 m
Access Door Width
1.0 m
Vertical Clearance
2.1 m
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 25
Figure 3 - Bicycle Parking Space Dimensions
Figure 4 - Wall-Mounted (left) and Stacked (right) Bicycle Parking Configurations
xi.
A minimum of 15% of the required Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be
designed as Non-Standard Bicycle Parking Spaces.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 26
xii.
Non-Standard Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be provided as Ground-Anchored
Bicycle Parking.
xiii.
All required Non-Standard Bicycle Parking Spaces shall have access to an
electrified 110V outlet within 2.0 m of the Non-Standard Bicycle Parking Space.
Active Transportation End-of-Trip Facilities
7.3
i.
The minimum number of required active transportation end-of-trip facilities shall be
provided in accordance with Table 13.
a.
Mobile Home Park, Model Trailer Park, and Recreational Vehicle Park uses
are excluded from the requirements in Table 13.
ii.
Active transportation end-of-trip facilities shall be provided in a common area and
be accessible from the Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces.
Table 13 - Minimum Active Transportation End-of-Trip Facility Supply Requirements
Required Number of
Long-Term Bicycle
Parking Spaces
per Section 7.1
Active Transportation End-of-Trip Facility
Sink + Shower
Bicycle Repair &
Wash Station
Clothing Locker
Multiple Family Dwelling, Student Housing, Rooming House
10-100
0
1
0
Every additional 100
spaces, or part thereof
-
1 additional
-
Personal Care Facility, Seniors Congregate Housing, and Non-Residential Uses
1-10
1
0
1.25x the required
number of Long-Term
Bicycle Parking
Spaces
11-20
2
1
21-30
3
1
31-40
4
2
Every additional 20
spaces or part thereof
1 additional
1 additional
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 27
PART VIII - TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
Transportation Demand Management Provision
8.1
i.
The owner of a Lot shall provide Transportation Demand Management measures
as outlined in this section.
ii.
Any use on a Lot that is located in Area 5 per Schedule A and that meets or
exceeds any of the following thresholds, must provide the Transit Transportation
Demand Management measure and one additional Transportation Demand
Management measure as set out in Table 14:
a.
Any residential use that consists of 12 dwelling units;
b.
Any non-residential use that consists of 500 m2 gross floor area; or
c.
Any Mixed-Use Development that meets either of the thresholds in Section
8.1.ii.a or 8.1.ii.b.
Table 14 - Transportation Demand Management Measures
Residential
Non-Residential
Transit TDM
Allocate a minimum of $2,500 per
dwelling unit to a development-specific
collective transit fund, such as BC
Transit's EcoPASS program, that can be
accessed by all residents.
Provide all residents with a transit
welcome packet within 30 days of
occupancy that contains clear instructions
on accessing the collective transit fund
and development-specific information on
available transit service. This includes
any new residents of the building at any
time while funding remains in the
collective fund.
Allocate a minimum of $2,500 per 120
m2 of gross floor area to a
development-specific collective transit
fund, such as BC Transit's EcoPASS
program, that can be accessed by
employees.
Provide employees with a standard
transit welcome packet to be provided
to all employees within 30 days of
occupancy that contains clear
instructions on accessing the collective
fund and site-specific information on
available transit service. This includes
any new occupants of the building at
any time while funding remains in the
collective fund.
Bicycle Parking
TDM
Provide 30% additional Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces (above the applicable
Long-Term Bicycle Parking Space requirements in this Bylaw).
Example: For a Multiple Family Dwelling use consisting of 50 dwelling units and
located in Area 5, the baseline requirement of 1.2 Long-Term Bicycle Parking
Spaces per dwelling unit (60 spaces) is to be increased by 30% (78 spaces).
Ensure an additional 10% of the total Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces are Non-
Standard Bicycle Parking Spaces (above the applicable Non-Standard Bicycle
Parking Space requirements in this Bylaw).
Example: For a Multiple Family Dwelling use consisting of 60 dwelling units and
located in Area 3 or 4, the baseline requirement is 60 Long-Term Bicycle Parking
Spaces (one space per unit), with 15% of spaces being Non-Standard Bicycle
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 28
Parking Spaces (9 spaces). To meet the Bicycle Parking TDM requirements, an
additional 10% of the Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces, including the 30%
additional spaces required (78 spaces) must also be Non-Standard Bicycle Parking
Spaces (8 additional spaces).
Provide 50% of the Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces with access to an electrified
110V outlet within 2.0 m of the Long-Term Bicycle Parking Space.
Ensure 10% of Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces adhere to the minimum
dimensions for Non-Standard Bicycles set out in Table 12 (minimum one space).
Weather-protect all Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces.
Shared Mobility
TDM - Option A
Provide the greater of one car share
vehicle or one car share vehicle per 50
dwelling units.
Provide a dedicated Parking Space for
each car share vehicle including Level 2
Charging capabilities or faster. One
electric vehicle charger may be shared
between two adjacent car share vehicle
Parking Spaces.
Provide a commitment from a Car Share
Operator to operate and maintain the car
share vehicle(s) for a minimum of 3 years.
Grant a statutory right-of-way registered
on title to secure public access to the car
share Parking Space.
Provide one car share membership per
dwelling unit for the lifetime of the
building.
Provide the greater of one car share
vehicle or one car share vehicle per
6,000 m2 of gross floor area.
Provide a dedicated Parking Space for
each car share vehicle including Level
2 Charging capabilities or faster. One
electric vehicle charger may be shared
between two adjacent car share
vehicle Parking Spaces.
Provide a commitment from a Car
Share Operator to operate and
maintain the car share vehicle(s) for a
minimum of 3 years.
Grant a statutory right-of-way
registered on title to secure public
access to the car share Parking
Space.
Provide one car share membership
provided to each business or
organization for the lifetime of the
building.
Shared Mobility
TDM - Option B
Provide $2,000 in driving credits per
dwelling unit to a Car Share Operator with
a car share vehicle located within 800 m
of the Lot.
Provide one car share membership per
dwelling unit for the lifetime of the
building.
$2,000 in driving credits per 120 m2 of
gross floor area to a Car Share
Operator with a car share vehicle
located within 800 m of the Lot.
Provide one car share membership
provided to each business or
organization for the lifetime of the
building.
iii.
Any Multiple Family Dwelling use or Mixed-Use Development containing Multiple
Family Dwelling uses that is located in the Transit-Adjacent Lands per Schedule
B, and that meets or exceeds the threshold identified in Section 8.1.ii.a, must
provide the Transit Transportation Demand Management measure for the Multiple
Family Dwelling use portion of the development, as set out in Table 14, at
minimum.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 29
iv.
Any Multiple Family Dwelling use or Mixed-Use Development containing Multiple
Family Dwelling uses that is in an area other than Area 5 may provide
Transportation Demand Management measures to reduce the number of Parking
Spaces required by Part 4 of this Bylaw for the Multiple Family Dwelling use portion
of the development by 10% per Transportation Demand Management measure
implemented as set out in Table 14, to a maximum of three unique TDM measures.
v.
At the option of the owner or occupier of a Lot, the owner or occupant may pay
cash-in-lieu to the City of Nanaimo in lieu of providing the required Transportation
Demand Management measures in the following amounts:
a.
In residential uses, $3,000 per dwelling unit per required Transportation
Demand Management measure.
b.
In non-residential uses, $3,000 per 120 m2 of gross floor area per
required Transportation Demand Management measure.
c.
In Mixed-Use Development, $3,000 per dwelling unit and $3,000 per 120
m2 of gross floor area per required Transportation Demand Management
measure.
vi.
An owner of a Lot is not permitted to provide cash-in-lieu of Transportation
Demand Management measures to support the optional Parking Space reductions
available under Section 8.1.iv.
vii.
If an owner of a Lot is required to provide Transportation Demand Management
measures in accordance with this Bylaw, the Director of Planning & Development
or their designate may impose conditions on the owner, including but not limited
to:
a.
registration of a covenant under Section 219 of the Land Title Act and/or
statutory right of way in favour of the City of Nanaimo on the Lot that
ensures that the land will be used to provide Transportation Demand
Management measures in accordance with this Bylaw;
b.
provision of copies of executed agreements with third parties to the
satisfaction of the Director of Planning & Development or their designate;
and/or
c.
prohibition on building occupancy until the required Transportation
Demand Management measures have been provided.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 30
PART IX - OFFENCE AND ENFORCEMENT
Unlawful Uses
9.1
i.
No person may use any required Parking Space or Loading Space for repair,
service, display or sales of Vehicles except as expressly permitted in the Zoning
Bylaw.
ii.
No person shall use a Parking Space that is required for a designated building or
use under this Bylaw as commercial parking space.
Compliance
9.2
i.
No person shall use or permit the use of a Lot or a building or structure or the
surface of water unless the Parking Space, Loading Space, Accessible Parking
Space, Mobility Scooter Parking Space, Bicycle Parking Space, End-of-Trip
Facility and Transportation Demand Management requirements for that use have
been provided and are made available in accordance with this Bylaw.
ii.
Any paving required under this Bylaw shall be completed either:
a.
Prior to granting an occupancy permit; or
b.
Where seasonal conditions prevent compliance or if the applicant requests
occupancy prior to completion of the paving, the applicant will provide
security to the City in the form of a Standby Irrevocable Letter of Credit,
cash or certified cheque in the amount of 125% of the estimated cost of the
outstanding work and shall fix a completion date satisfactory to the City.
iii.
If the required paving has not been completed by the completion date, the City of
Nanaimo may use the security for the purpose of entering onto the Lot and
completing the paving.
iv.
Where Parking Spaces are provided that is not required under this Bylaw, the
location, design and operation of such facilities shall comply with all the regulations
of this Bylaw.
Violation and Penalty
9.3
i.
Any Person who causes, permits or allows anything to be done in contravention or
violation of this Bylaw, or who neglects or fails to do anything required to be done
pursuant to this Bylaw, commits an offence against this Bylaw and is liable upon
summary conviction to pay a fine of not more than $50,000, plus the costs of
prosecution, and any other penalty or remedy available under the Community
Charter and Offence Act.
ii.
This Bylaw may be enforced by bylaw notice pursuant to the Bylaw Notice
Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159, as amended or replaced.
iii.
Each day that an offence continues or exists shall constitute a separate offence.
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 31
PASSED FIRST READING: 2026-JUN-22
PASSED SECOND READING: 2026-JUN-22
PASSED THIRD READING: 2026-JUN-22
RESCINDED THIRD READING: 2026-JUL-20
THIRD READING AS AMENDED: 2026-JUL-20
ADOPTED: 2026-JUL-27
L.E. KROG
MAYOR
S. GURRIE
CORPORATE OFFICER
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 32
SCHEDULE A - Off-Street Parking Areas
Bylaw No. 7453
Page 33
SCHEDULE B - Transit-Adjacent Lands