Saanich to further streamline permitting process in 2026 after major milestones reached

Information bulletin
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich is continuing to take steps towards establishing a more effective building and development process—one that improves timelines, increases consistency, and strengthens customer service.

In 2025, the District made significant progress toward removing barriers for applicants by expanding digital services and making the online application and payment experience more seamless. These improvements are helping reduce the need for in-person visits and supporting faster permit processing for homeowners, contractors, and developers.

2025 achievements

A major milestone in 2025 was the move to digital-first services for certain planning and inspections processes. In April 2025, the Saanich Planning department shifted to digital application submissions. Since then, there has been 100% adoption with no paper applications submitted.

Further achievements made last year included:

• The Pre-Application process—launched in late 2024—received 33 Pre-Applications and 14 are progressing to full application submissions.
• Pre-Applications are now open to all Development Permit/Rezoning application types.
• BC Hydro was added as an external digital reviewer, which has helped the District identify key infrastructure requirements sooner in the development process and ensure a more efficient process for applicants.

On the Building and Inspections side, Saanich completed a suite of new digital application services for both residential and commercial permits.

• Residential eApply for new builds, additions, renovations, demolitions, and other projects (including accessory buildings, fences, and retaining walls).
• Commercial eApply for new construction, including apartments, townhouses, mixed use, and foundations.
• To help applicants better understand inspection requirements, the District also released new Residential Inspections Guides outlining inspection types, when to schedule them, required documentation, and relevant BC Building Code references.
• Updates to the Inspections Fee Bylaw improved clarity around application fees, lowered the application submission fee, and expanded convenient payment options including online and credit card payments.

2026 plans

The focus is on building upon this momentum—improving the quality of applications at intake, increasing automation, and expanding digital services across the broader development approvals process.

Work will continue with BC Hydro on Pre-Application referrals to provide applicants with clearer up-front information and guidelines, alongside ongoing refinements to the Pre-Application meeting structure to optimize staff time and strengthen the value of early feedback.

Learn more

The District is committed to simplifying building and development processes by removing application barriers and creating a seamless online application and payment experience. New digital application services will also enhance accessibility for residents.

Visit the Saanich Inspections Services section of saanich.ca or contact the Engineering team for assistance.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca