Zoning - Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see your question here, please check the Bylaw Enforcement FAQ or contact zoning@saanich.ca

Answers

  1. What is a Zoning Bylaw?

    Saanich is divided into ‘zones’ in the Zoning Bylaw. Each zone has rules that guide how land can be used and developed.

    A zoning bylaw sets rules for:

    • The uses that can occur on a property;
    • Where buildings and other structures may be located on a property;
    • Minimum lot size and dimensions that may be created by subdivision; and
    • Building height, and how much development is allowed on a site (density).

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  2. What is my Zoning?

    Your property’s zoning information can be found by accessing the Saanich GIS Map. Please refer to the SaanichMap How To Guide for how to search your address. Once you have selected the correct parcel, the zoning will be listed in the details on the left side of the screen when viewed from a desktop computer (mobile version may vary).

    You may also be interested in a “Property Information Report” which includes zoning, lot size, school district, tax levies and assessments, activity summary, and other comments. Reports can be accessed by completing the following steps:

    1. Launch SaanichMap
    2. Enter the address in the left panel and click "Search". The map will zoom to the address and automatically generate the report.
    3. Select "click here" link to view the report.

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  3. What are my setbacks?

    A setback is the minimum distance a building or structure must be from a property line. The required setbacks will depend on the type of building and the parcel’s zoning.

    Places to find information on commonly requested setback information are as follows:

    • Single Family Dwelling – refer to the applicable zone schedule in the Zoning Bylaw
    • Garden Suite – refer to Schedule H of the Zoning Bylaw
    • Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing – refer to Schedule G of the Zoning Bylaw
    • Accessory Buildings (including swimming pools) – refer to section 5.34 of the Zoning Bylaw for RS zoned parcels, or applicable zone schedule for all other zones

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  4. What can I do with my land?

    What you can do on your property depends on your land’s zoning and the uses allowed in that zone. Planning department staff can assist you with applicable Zoning Bylaw regulations, but it is good to have a general idea of what you would like to do. For example, you may be planning to:

    • Renovate or add to an existing building;
    • Build a new home; or
    • Add one or more dwelling units to your property

    If your proposal is not a permitted use in the zone, you may need to apply to rezone your property. Rezoning applications must meet specific requirements and must be consistent with Saanich’s Official Community Plan. For more information about rezoning, please contact planning@saanich.ca and request to speak with your property’s local area planner.

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  5. Can I have a shed on my property?

    In most cases, a shed is considered an accessory building. Upon reviewing your applicable zone, you should see “Accessory Buildings” listed as a permitted use. If it is listed, then your property is permitted to have accessory buildings.

    If you are RS zoned, refer to section 5.34 of the Zoning Bylaw for siting, height, and other regulations specific to accessory buildings. See section 5.29 Zoning Bylaw for separation space from the principal building.

    For all other zones, refer to the applicable zone schedule.

     

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  6. Is my property eligible for a secondary suite? My single family dwelling has a suite in it. How do I know if it’s legal?

    A secondary suite is a permitted accessory use in all RS, RD and A zones. All conditions in the Zoning Bylaw under section 5.24 must be met.

    A secondary suite is legal if the construction is completed with a permit. Please contact Inspections to confirm whether there is a permit associated with the suite.  

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  7. Is my property eligible for a garden suite?

    A garden suite is permitted on any lot that is RS or RD zoned and must be within the Sewer Service Area and/or Urban Containment Boundary. All conditions in the Zoning Bylaw under section 5.35 must be met.

    To determine whether your property is within the Sewer Service Area or Urban Containment Boundary, refer to our Saanich GIS website and refer to the How To Guide to learn how to toggle these layers on.

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  8. Can I park an RV on my property? Can I live in an RV on my property?

    Yes, an RV can be parked on any residential property; however, there may be a private covenant associated with your parcel that regulates RV parking. Additionally, regulations regarding unlicensed vehicles in section 5.2 of the Zoning Bylaw must also be met.

    No, an RV cannot be used for living accommodations in any zone (except P-4SC Zone, but refer to definition of Supervised Overnight Camping in the Zoning Bylaw.

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  9. How tall can my fence be?

    Unless a specific zone has different rules, most residential properties may build:

    • A fence up to 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) high along a street, within the front setback.
    • A fence up to 1.9 metres (6.2 feet) high in side and rear yards.

    Special rules apply to:

    • Deer fence extensions
    • Corner lots

    For details, see the fence definitions and Sections 6.2 and 6.3 of the Zoning Bylaw. You do not need a building permit to construct a fence. You need a building permit for a retaining wall over 1.20m. For building permit questions, please contact inspections@saanich.ca

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  10. I own agricultural land. What is the maximum size I can build a new single-family dwelling?

    Those properties listed in Saanich’s Rural Zones that permit Single Family Dwelling and Agriculture, i.e. A-Zones are permitted to build a single-family dwelling that does not exceed a Floor Space Ratio (R) of 0.45, or a combined Gross Floor Area (R) of 400 m2 (4306 ft2), whichever is lesser. Simply, if your property size exceeds 888m2 (0.21 acres), the maximum floor area is 400 m2 (4306 ft2). Additionally, effective January 1, 2026, Farm Residential Footprint regulations apply to those A-Zoned lots that are 2000m2 or more requiring residential buildings to be clustered together and within a maximum building footprint. Refer to Section 5.41 of the Zoning Bylaw  and see the Farm Residential Footprint Guide.

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  11. I live in a Single Family Dwelling. Can I build a cottage or carriage house in my backyard?

    In Saanich, a detached dwelling unit located on the same lot as a main house is referred to as a Garden Suite; however, other municipalities may refer to this type of building by other names such as an accessory dwelling unit, cottage, or carriage house. We recommend interest holders review the Definitions section of the Zoning Bylaw to confirm the definition of a building form or land use to learn more about the details and context and how it may apply to your query. Review the Zoning Bylaw Section 5.35 for eligibility and Schedule H for regulations.

    If you are researching ways to add additional dwelling units, please see our Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing webpage and review this info sheet.

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  12. Am I allowed to operate my business at a certain location?

    The first step will be to determine the zoning of the property where the business will be conducted. Using the SaanichMap How To Guide, determine the zoning of the property. The applicable zone schedule will list the permitted uses within that zone. The permitted uses listed will have an accompanying definition in the Definitions section of the Zoning Bylaw. Confirm the definition captures the proposed business.

    Most businesses must provide some Off-Street Parking. Requirements depend on the type of business/use being proposed and can be determined using Table 7.1 in the Zoning Bylaw. A business licence is also required, and an application can be made online.

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  13. How can I learn more about my neighbour’s development application?

    Development Applications, which can include file types such as Agricultural Land Reserve, Board of Variance, Development Permits, Liquor & Cannabis, and Rezoning, can be viewed on the Permit and Development Tracker. You can view the applicant’s name and contact info and associated documents such as the Site Plan, Elevation Drawings and Landscape Plans. Also, information about what stage of the process the application is in can be seen through the tracker.

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