Seven Steps to the Subdivision

Developing a subdivision is a major process. We've laid out the seven steps you need to follow when submitting your application. 

1. Pre-Application Meeting

Come talk to us about your proposal. Contact the Subdivision Office at subdivision@saanich.ca to schedule a meeting.

What We’ll Discuss

We will assist you with the application process by talking about site specific issues with respect to:

  • Zoning
  • Planning policy
  • Development permit areas
  • Existing services
  • Development constraints

Things to Remember

  • Subdivision application fees are non-refundable.
  • We can assist you with application procedures.
  • We cannot plan your development.
  • We encourage those new to the process to seek advice from qualified professionals. Do this before making financial commitments or submitting a formal application.

More Property Information

Find specific information about properties using our Geographic Information Systems.  You can even view and print parcel and layer information.

2. Submission of the Subdivision Application Form

Make sure your application is complete. Use the checklist on the form. We can’t accept incomplete applications.

Please note: all registered owners must sign the owners’ authorization.

Meet the Neighbourhood

We encourage you to hold a public information meeting. This will introduce your development proposals to the immediate neighbourhood, including area community associations.

  • Guidelines to Public Meetings
  • Contact information for local community associations

3. Application Circulation and Review     

We circulate your applications to internal departments for review and comment. We may seek input from external agencies when appropriate.

Depending on your proposal’s complexity, the Approving Officer may ask you for more information.

4. Conditional Subdivision Approval

You will receive Conditional Subdivision Approval in the form of a letter. This letter explains requirements you must do to receive final approval.

Common requirements:

  • Subdivision layout, road alignments and lot dimensions
  • Dedication of parkland or cash-in-lieu
  • Protection of the natural environment
  • Covenants, easements and statutory rights-of-way
  • Engineering servicing requirements
  • External agency requirements

Conditional Approval is valid for one year.

5. Completion or Bonding of Subdivision Works and Services   

You now need to retain a professional engineer. The engineer will design the works and services required for final approval.

All services are the owner’s expense. The exception is if the owner provides bonding. This means entering into a subdivision servicing agreement with Saanich to complete the required works by a specified date.

6. Submission for Final Subdivision Approval           

You have met all the requirements in the Conditional Approval letter. Now you may submit your application for final subdivision approval. You submit this to the Approving Officer.

 Typically, final application includes:

  • Final survey plans prepared by a British Columbia Land Surveyor.
  • Approval fees.
  • Documentation showing you have met all requirements of your Conditional Approval.

If appropriate, the Approving Officer approves the subdivision by signing the Subdivision Plan.

7. Plan Registration

You will receive your subdivision plans and documents once the Approving Officer signs them.

Now you must register them at the Victoria Land Title Office. This process creates a legal title for each new parcel defined on the subdivision plan.