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Based on a focused study of the issue and consultation with citizens,
Secondary Suites are now permitted in defined areas of Saanich,
assuming property owners can comply with basic requirements. A map of
areas where Secondary Suites will be considered, along with the
requirements for a legal Secondary Suite, are outlined below.
In order for a Secondary Suite to be legal, all of
the requirements outlined below must be met.
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The property must be located within the defined area know as
“South of McKenzie Avenue (see map below).
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The property must be zoned for single family use (RS Zones only).
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Conditions of the relevant zone must be met (ex. maximum floor
area/floor space ratio).
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The secondary suite must be wholly contained within the single
family dwelling. Secondary Suites may not be connected to the
house by a breezeway or enclosed hallway, they must be an integral
part of the single family house.
-
No more than one (1) secondary suite is permitted per lot or per
single family dwelling.
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The registered owner of the property must occupy either the single
family dwelling or the secondary suite as their principle
residence ( a signed affidavit is required).
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An Occupancy Permit must be issued for the Secondary Suite from
the Saanich Building Inspections Division, based on the relevant
section(s) of the BC Building Code related to Secondary Suites.
-
One (1) additional onsite-parking space for the occupant of the
secondary suite must be provided. Tandem parking on the driveway
is permitted.
-
No more than two (2) kitchens are permitted per lot or per single
family dwelling;
- Boarding is not permitted within the secondary suite.
-
“Accommodation for a Family Member” OR a Secondary
Suite is allowed, not both.
As part of Saanich’s 2009 Strategic Plan, Staff was tasked with
undertaking a study within a portion of the community, to look more
closely at the issues surrounding the potential legalization of
secondary suites. The study area (South of McKenzie Avenue - See Map
Above) was chosen based on the need to look at a large enough area to
capture a broad range of neighbourhoods, residents, single family
housing types, lot sizes, and subdivision patterns, yet a small enough
area to be able to have more in-depth discussions with residents and
receive detailed feedback. As noted during the review process,
studying the issue of secondary suites and their acceptance in one
area of Saanich does not preclude having a similar discussion and
review process in other areas of the community.
A. Existing Single
Family Dwelling (Owner Occupied)
Building Inspection staff will review the submitted material, do the
necessary inspections, and assuming all requirements can be met by the
property owner, an Occupancy Permit will be issued for the Secondary
Suite. If you sell the property in the future, the new owner would
need to complete and sign a new affidavit confirming that they will
occupy either the single family dwelling or the secondary suite as
their principle residence.
B. New Single
Family Dwelling (Owner Occupied)
Same as above, except you would need to complete and submit a
Building
Permit Application for a new Single Family Dwelling,
including all the required attachments, the signed owner affidavit,
and permit fee.
C. New Single Family
Dwelling (Occupancy Unknown / Spec. House)
Same as above, except you would need to complete and submit a
Building Permit Application for a new Single
Family Dwelling, including all the required attachments
and fee. The Secondary Suite would not be legal
until such time that the owner submitted a signed owner affidavit
confirming that they will occupy either the single family dwelling or
the secondary suite as their principle residence.
Fees
 are provided for convenience only and are
subject to change without notice.
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