The Board of Variance is an independent body under B.C.’s Local Government Act that may consider minor requests to vary certain bylaw rules in cases where following the bylaw would cause the property owner an undue hardship because of the property’s physical conditions, such as lot configuration, or topography.
The Board of Variance deals with site-specific problems, not personal preferences or convenience, and cannot approve changes to land use or density. The Board of Variance considers impacts on neighbours and the intent of the bylaw, and must make a decision based on the information and plans provided for the hearing.
To submit an online application you must:
- Login to your MySaanich profile to open an application.
- If you do not have a profile, you will need to register.
- Review the Application Checklist to ensure your applications includes all required digital documents.
- The online application process will timeout if inactive for 15 minutes and will not be saved.
- Pay your application fee
- Through your MySaanich account via credit card or in person at the Municipal Hall via cheque, cash, debit or credit card.
- A non-refundable 2.4% convenience fee is applicable for credit card payments.
Meeting Schedules and Submission Deadlines
The Board of Variance is required to meet the notification requirements set out in the Local Government Act. Applications are scheduled for a Board of Variance meeting only after District staff can confirm the application package is complete and ready for notification.
The 2026 Meeting Dates & Application Deadlines are now available. Submission deadline dates help us prepare the required public notifications and meeting agendas, but do not guarantee that an application will be heard at the next meeting. If your application is incomplete, requires corrections, or changes after submission, it may be scheduled on a later meeting date.
How Board of Variance Scheduling Works
- Apply Online via MySaanich
- Applicants upload all required documents and pay application fees to the District of Saanich.
- Application Completeness and Technical Review
- We confirm the variance request, submitted plans, and measurements are consistent and sufficiently detailed for the Board of Variance to consider.
- Public Notification
- The Board of Variance must notify owners/tenants in occupation of the subject land and adjacent lands. This step is required by Provincial legislation.
- Scheduling and Agenda Finalization
- Once review and notifications are achievable for the next available meeting date, the application is scheduled on an agenda.
- Board of Variance Hearing and Decision
- Board decision is final.
Board of Variance Meeting Participation
To watch the Board of Variance meeting or to speak about an application please visit the 2026 Agendas & Minutes webpage.
Board of Variance Application Forms
- BOV Application Checklist
- Application Project Data Table - New Home Construction
- Application Project Data Table - Additions & Converting an Existing Garage/Carport
- Application Project Data Table - Accessory Buildings
- Letter of Assurance from BC Land Surveyor Form
- Owners Authorization Form
- SAMPLE Application Project Data Table - New Home Construction
- SAMPLE Application Project Data Table - Additions & Converting an Existing Garage/Carport
- SAMPLE Plans
Is the Board of Variance the Right Process?
The Board of Variance can only consider minor variances to a bylaw and cannot approve a variance that would change permitted uses or density.
If your proposal needs broader changes (e.g. changes beyond minor siting/size/dimension issues, or where undue hardship is not site-based), other approval processes may be more appropriate.
If you are unsure, please contact the Planning Department before applying.
Undue Hardship Test
The Board of Variance can consider an application only where the applicant demonstrates that complying with the bylaw would cause undue hardship.
Undue hardship typically relates to site-specific conditions (e.g. lot configuration, topography, or other physical constraints), rather than personal preference, convenience, or cost.
Important: Your Approval is Tied to the Plans you Submit
A Board of Variance decision is based on the specific plans and information presented to the Board of Variance at the hearing. Because of this, accuracy and consistency across drawings, siting, and measurements is critical.
If you revise the design or site layout after a Board of Variance decision, a new Board of Variance hearing may be required.