If you are planning on;
- building an entirely new building,
- renovating an existing building,
- adding to an existing building,
- doing tenant improvements or
- demolishing an existing building
You will need a building permit.
The links below are designed to assist you with your permit application. Each link includes the necessary information you are required to submit in order to help speed up processing your permit.
The more complete your application is, the faster you will get your permit.
Application: Commercial, Institutional, Industrial or Multi-Family Residential.pdf [PDF - 104 KB]
A complete application includes:
- Five complete sets of plans for new, renovation, addition, leasehold/tenant improvements and demolitions.
- Submit plan-sets in the following order: architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppressions, electrical, other.
- Completed application form.
- Homeowner Warranty (HPO) required for all new multi-family projects
- Owner signature or if you’re not the owner, an Agent's Authorization form [PDF - 41 KB]
- BuildingPermitFees.pdf [PDF - 81 KB]
- Building Code Information Sheet [PDF - 212 KB]
More information to help you prepare a correct permit application submission. See below, or request hard copies from Inspection Services at the Municipal Hall.
- All approved services installed. Contact Engineering at 250-475-5575 for Municipal services drawings.
- You may need a geotechnical engineer's report, depending on site conditions. If so, we’ll need letters of assurance.
- When a registered professional provides letters of assurance, he or she shall obtain and keep in force professional liability insurance. He or she shall provide proof of such insurance to the building official through the Declaration of Insurance Coverage [PDF - 631 KB]
- APEBBC Guide to Letters of Assurance
- If we deem a commercial, industrial or multi-family development exempt from a permit as outlined in Development Permit Areas: Justification and Guidelines, but the building permit value exceeds $100,000, the Design Panel must consider these developments.
- Additional Permit Information [PDF - 131 KB]
- Complex Building Occupancy Permit [PDF - 164 KB]
For questions about trees and development, applying for tree permits and the Tree Protection Bylaw contact Saanich Parks.
Please note:
- As of June 1, 2019 Step Code [PDF - 963 KB] will apply to all new resedential and commercial buildings. It is recommended that applicants familiarize themselves with the requirements of the Step Code and the use of a registered energy advisor, energy models and air tightness testing.
- As of September 1, 2020 Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure requirements will apply to all new residential, institutional, commercial, multi-family and industrial buildings. Please see Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Requirements for more information.