Heritage Alteration Requests

As the owner of a Heritage Designated site, you will need to obtain a Heritage Alteration Permit to change the exterior of your home.

If you have questions or are unsure about the status of your property, Saanich staff can help you determine if your home is Heritage Designated.

Learn more about the permitting process below:

Permit Process for Heritage Designated Dwellings

  1. You, the owner, apply for a Building Permit. 
  2. Our Building Department lets you know that you need a Heritage Alteration Permit.
  3. We also forward a copy of the Heritage Alteration Permit to our Planning Department.
  4. Planning refers it to the Saanich Heritage Foundation for review. The Foundation promotes the preservation, maintenance and restoration of heritage buildings.
  5. The Foundation reviews your permit application and sends their comments back to us in the Planning Department.
  6. Our Planning Department uses the Foundation’s comments to prepare a report for Council.
  7. The Report is scheduled for a Committee of the Whole meeting.
  8. You then present your case to the Committee of the Whole, to make a recommendation to Council.
  9. Council makes a decision to grant a Heritage Alteration Permit.

Permit Process for Heritage Registered Dwellings:

  1. You, the owner, apply for a Building Permit.
  2. We forward a copy to the Saanich Heritage Foundation.
  3. They review the permit application.
  4. They give you their recommendation.