Residential Permits

NOW ACCEPTING DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS! 

Residential Permits are used to permit any work on single family dwellings or houseplex, garden suites and accessory buildings. This could include entirely new buildings, or renovations and additions to these types of buildings.

Application Requirements (items 1-9):

  1. A completed application form (see Applications below) submitted via email.
    • Request a secure file transfer link for items 3-9
  2. A paid application fee (refer to the Permit Calculator).
  3. A digital plan package OR five complete sets of printed plans (including two sealed Engineering sets, if required)
  4. Current certificate of title dated within 30 days, plus copies of any encumbrances registered against the parcel (Covenants, Rights-of-Way).
  5. Homeowner Warranty (HPO) required for new houses, garden suites and houseplexes.
  6. Owner signature OR an Agent's Authorization from the owner.
  7. BCESC Pre-Construction Energy Compliance Report (new houses, houseplexes, and garden suites only).
  8. Archaeological approval from the Archaeological branch of BC before you can start any excavation work on your property. Approval must be received prior to issuance of your permit.
    • Request information about your property here.
  9. Completed Fixture Unit Count document (cannot be used for multiplex)
Note:
  • If your project includes a Secondary Suite by way of an addition or conversion of non-living space to living space in an existing Single Family Dwelling, please refer to our Secondary Suite Checklist and Secondary Suite Handout.
  • For questions about trees and development, applying for tree permits, and the Tree Protection Bylaw contact Saanich Parks.

Applications

New Building

Application Form: New Building

If you are planning on building an entirely new structure, a building permit (new) is required. New building project types include:

  • Single family dwelling
  • Garden Suite
  • Accessory building measuring more than 10 sq.m. (107 sq.ft.)
  • Houseplex

Each building you wish to build requires a separate building permit. 

BC Building Permit Hub

Saanich is one of the first pilot communities for the new Hub platform, effective August 2024. The District continues to work with the Province to refine the portal so that applicants in Saanich enjoy the best and most efficient experience possible. The District is working to integrate the new Building Permit Hub into the process improvements already underway. Information about our progress, including when the digital Building Permit Hub will be available for the District of Saanich, will be posted here — so please stay tuned for updates!

Additions

Application Form: Residential Additions

If you are planning on building an addition to an existing building, a building permit (addition) is required. Addition project types include, but are not limited to:

  • Enclosing a carport
  • Converting a non-living space (e.g. garage) to living space
  • Enclosing a deck
  • Additional floor area
  • Sunroom
  • Constructing any new exterior walls

Renovations

Application: Residential Renovations

If you are planning on renovating an existing building, a building permit (renovation) is required. Renovation project types include, but are not limited to:

  • Covered deck
  • Adding, removing, or changing interior walls
  • Exterior changes to windows, doors or cladding
  • Fire damage repairs
  • Enclosing a carport to create a garage
  • Secondary suite within an existing building (no additional floor area)

Note: If your renovation project involves adding new floor area, it is considered an addition.

Decks

Application: Residential Decks

If you are planning on building or modifying a deck on a Single Family Dwelling or Duplex, a building permit is required. Deck project types include, but are not limited to:

  • Add new deck
  • Reconstructing an existing deck (same dimensions and location)
  • Enlarging an existing deck
  • Decreasing an existing deck

Demolitions

Application: Residential Demolitions

If you are planning on demolishing a structure on your property that measures more than 10 m2 (107sq. ft.), a demolition permit is required. Each structure on a property measuring more than 10 m2 (107 sq. ft.) requires a separate permit.

It is important to get a permit for demolitions so that BC Assessment removes the structure from your tax assessment.

 

Back to top

Permit Application Fee Calculator