Comfort Letter

Comfort Letters can be requested to confirm a property’s current zoning and permitted land uses.

As part of a shift toward streamlining our processes, the District has updated the scope of information provided in Letters of Comfort. These letters will now focus on summarizing key land use information, including the property’s zoning, Official Community Plan (OCP) designation, Development Permit (DP) area status, permitted uses under the current zoning, and any active planning applications associated with the site. Historical research into previous permits, approvals, or enforcement matters will no longer be included. This change is intended to ensure timely and consistent responses, while encouraging applicants to conduct detailed due diligence through independent research or a formal request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, if needed.

Before making a Comfort Letter request, zoning and other records can be determined through a “Property Information Report” that can be generated within the Saanich GIS Map and toggling on the unique map layers to show you a property’s land use designation. Visit the Saanich website to access the map, how-to guide and FAQ.

If you require a property’s zoning information on District of Saanich letterhead, please submit a request for a Comfort Letter as per below:

How do I make a Comfort Letter request?

Requests for a Comfort Letter can be submitted to Saanich by one of the following methods:

The following information is required by Saanich in order to process a Comfort Letter request:

  • the name, address, contact phone number and email address of the person making the request;
  • civic address and legal description of the property that is the subject of the request; and

*Please note, the District of Saanich does not conduct a site inspection as part of the Comfort Letter service and cannot confirm any current buildings and fixtures including the construction and siting of all improvements on the property are being used in compliance with existing zoning, building and land use regulations, bylaws and restrictions and with any applicable building and development permits. The requestor must satisfy themself as to whether the premises and the existing or proposed uses thereof are, or would be, in conformity with all applicable bylaws and regulations of the District.

How much does a Comfort Letter cost?

The fee for a Comfort Letter is $50.00, payable to The Corporation of the District of Saanich. Include: “Attn: Planning Dept, Comfort Letter – [Subject Property Address]” in the memo line if paying by cheque.

 

How long will it take for my request to be completed?

Allow up to 10 working days, per property, from receipt of payment to process the request.

NOTE: requests cannot be processed until payment has been received.

Copies of specific records relating to noncompliance or building permit plans will not be provided through a Comfort Letter and these should be made through either an FOI request to Legislative Services by emailing foi@saanich.ca or a Property Information request to the Inspections Department by emailing to inspections@saanich.ca

 

Where can I find other related information?

  • Any detailed information regarding bylaw infractions and investigations must be requested through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.  Further information regarding the submission of an FOI request can be found on the following webpage:  Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy | District of Saanich
  • For records from the Saanich Fire Department including fire safety inspections or oil tank records, please contact fireprevention@saanich.ca or 250-475-5500.
  • Any charges (such as Restrictive Covenant, Statutory Rights-of-way, Covenants, Easements, etc.) registered against a property title should be directed to the Land Titles Office www.ltsa.ca or 1-877-577-5872.
  • Health regulations including on-site septic and private wells should be directed to Island Health at 250-370-8699 or Ministry of Health at 1-800-663-7867 or EnquiryBC@gov.bc.ca. 
  • Site contamination, non-compliance with laws and regulations governing environmental matters should be directed to the Ministry of Environment at EnquiryBC@gov.bc.ca or 1-800-663-7867.   
  • The District of Saanich does not issue permits for gas or electrical work. Technical Safety BC should be contacted for permit information at contact@technicalsafetybc.ca or 1-866-566-7233.