Letters of Zoning Confirmation (previously referred to as Comfort Letters) can be requested from the District of Saanich to confirm a property’s current zoning and permitted land uses.
In effort to continue streamlining our processes, Saanich has updated the scope of information that is provided in Letters of Zoning Confirmation requests. These letters will now focus on summarizing key land use information including:
- The property’s current zone and permitted land uses
- The Official Community Plan (OCP) designation
- The Development Permit (DP) area status, 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.
How do I make a request?
Before requesting a Letter of Zoning Confirmation, please note that general information about a property’s land use designation, zoning and other records can be found through a “Property Information Report” using the SaanichMap.
If you require a property’s zoning information on District of Saanich letterhead, please submit a Letter of Zoning Confirmation Request by:
- Email: planning@saanich.ca OR
- Post or In-Person: 770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8X 2W7
To process a Letter of Zoning Confirmation, the following submissions are required:
- The civic address and legal description of the subject property.
- The name, address, phone number, and email address of the person making the request.
- Fee payment.
Upon receipt of payment, please allow up to 10 working days, per property, to fulfill your request.
How much does a Letter of Zoning Confirmation cost?
The fee for a Letter of Zoning Confirmation is $200.00, payable in person at the Municipal Hall via cheque, cash, debit or credit card.
- A non-refundable 2.4% convenience fee is applicable for credit card payments.
- If paying by cheque, please include “Attn: Planning Dept, Letter of Zoning Confirmation Request – [Subject Property Address]” in the memo line.
What is NOT included in a Letter of Zoning Confirmation?
The District of Saanich does not conduct a site inspection for Letter of Zoning Confirmation requests and cannot confirm if current buildings and fixtures (including the construction and siting of all improvements on the property) are being used in compliance with existing zoning, bylaws, building and land use regulations 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 Saanich bylaws and regulations.
Copies of specific records relating to bylaw infractions and investigations, noncompliance or building permit plans will not be provided through a Letter of Zoning Confirmation Request. Requests for this information can be fulfilled either through an FOI request to Legislative Services or a Property Information Request to the Inspections Department.
Where can I find other additional information?
- For records from the Saanich Fire Department including fire safety inspections or oil tanks, please contact fireprevention@saanich.ca or 250-475-5500.
- For records of any charges that are registered against a property title (e.g. Restrictive Covenants, Statutory Rights-of-way, Easements), please contact the Land Title Office or 1-877-577-5872.
- For information about health regulations including on-site septic and private wells, please contact Island Health at 250-370-8699 or the Ministry of Health EnquiryBC@gov.bc.ca or 1-800-663-7867.
- For information about site contamination, non-compliance with laws and regulations governing environmental matters, please contact 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. For permit information, please contact Technical Safety BC at contact@technicalsafetybc.ca or 1-866-566-7233.