Development Variance Permit

NOW ACCEPTING DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS!

A Development Variance Permit (DVP) allows variances from certain requirements in Saanich bylaws, such as the Zoning Bylaw or Sign Bylaw. A variance, whether granted through a DVP or by the Board of Variance, cannot vary the use or density of land. Changes to land use or density must be addressed through the Rezoning Process.

If meeting the Zoning Bylaw for a building or structure’s location, size, or dimensions would cause undue hardship, an applicant may apply to the Board of Variance for a minor variance. The Board of Variance can only consider variances that are minor in scope. If the Board denies the variance, the applicant may still apply for a Development Variance Permit.

As of January 2026, some minor DVP applications may be considered under staff-delegated authority in accordance with Saanich’s Land Use and Development Procedures Bylaw.

Council has delegated authority to the Director of Planning to consider certain minor DVP applications. Minor variances that may be eligible for delegated review include variances related to fence height, signage, parking, loading, bicycle parking, landscape screening, yard projections, setbacks, building separation, height, lot coverage and farm residential footprints.

Staff must also consider site constraints; consistency with applicable bylaws and policies and whether the proposal provides a community or environmental benefit.

Where no undue hardship exists, but a proposed design requires a variance, the application must be justified through applicable Saanich policies, such as the Official Community Plan or applicable Local Area Plan.

The full application requirements are outlined below. Please note there are two parts to your permit application process. 

Application Requirements

Step 1 

  • Email planning@saanich.ca to receive instructions on how to submit your full digital application.

Step 2

  • Once your complete application submission has been submitted, you will receive an email outlining next steps to create your MySaanich account and to pay your application fees.
  • Paying your application fee
    • Through your MySaanich account via credit card
    • Pay in person at the Municipal Hall via cheque, cash, debit and credit card 
      • A non-refundable 2.4% convenience fee is applicable for credit card payments
  • Upon receipt of payment, your application will be prepared for circulation with applicable internal departments and external agencies.

Application Documents

Note: Several of the District’s planning and development application fees have been updated to reflect current processing costs and to support timely, high-quality service delivery. 

Application fees shall increase by 3% annually for five years, rounded down to the nearest $5.00, commencing on January 1, 2027, with the final increase occurring on January 1, 2031.