Support for Non-Market Housing Developers

Increasing the supply of affordable and supportive housing in the non-profit sector is a top priority in Saanich. The District sees itself as a partner in the development of non-market housing, with supports that include fast-tracking approvals, pre-zoning eligible projects, reducing costs and fees, and providing a dedicated planner to support applicants through the approvals process.

Read more below about these initiatives and how they will support non-market housing developers to build and operate affordable housing in Saanich. 

If you are a non-profit housing provider, or are looking to develop non-market housing, please reach out to planning@saanich.ca.

Accelerated Approvals

To support non-market housing projects through the development approvals process, Saanich has initiated the Rapid Deployment of Non-Market Housing Program (RDP).

The Rapid Deployment Program aims to make it easier to build affordable, non-market housing in Saanich. It consists of two key components:

  • Eligible projects are permitted to build to the upper limits in the Official Community Plan without the need for rezoning.
  • Development Permit and DVP approvals are delegated to staff for RDP projects.

This can significantly reduce the time and risk it takes for non-market housing projects to get approvals to move forward with their projects.

For background information on RDP, see:

Special Zoning Regulations

Non-market housing developments are subject to unique zoning regulations which reduce the need for extensive variance and rezoning processes. These include relaxed parking standards, simplified siting and setback requirements, and a storey-based definition of building height.

Fast-Tracking Review of Non-Market Housing  

Council’s Non-Market Housing Policy ensures that applications from non-market and co-operative housing providers are prioritized throughout the entire development review process. Prioritization begins in the pre-application phase, continues through to occupancy permit and involves all relevant Saanich departments.

Dedicated Non-Market Housing Planner 

Through funding received from the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund, Saanich has a full-time dedicated planner who supports non-market applicants through the municipal development review process. The NM Housing Planner assists applicants through an optional pre-application review process, acts as the file manager for all non-market housing development applications, and helps applicants apply for housing grants offered by the District.  

Funding Support

Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (SAHRF)

Saanich has formally established a reserve fund that is solely dedicated to supporting the development of affordable housing, with clearly defined eligibility criteria and funding amounts. Two grant streams, Pre-Development and Capital, provide municipal funding both early in the development process and during the construction of new supply. The Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund is funded through the collection of Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) from other development projects.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

How to apply:

  1. Review the SAHRF Policy and Capital Grant Distribution Process. The policy includes important information about eligibility, funding streams, grant conditions, and approval processes.
  2. Contact the Planning Department at planning@saanich.ca to inform us of your intent to apply and discuss your application.
  3. Submit a completed application form for one of the two grant streams:

For more information about the SAHRF, see the staff report in the July 15, 2024, Council Agenda (item E3).

Reduced Costs and Fees

Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) Waiver

CACs are amenities provided by developers through a rezoning process that seeks to provide direct benefit to residents in a community. As secured affordable housing is a valued public amenity, not-for-profit rental and affordable ownership housing units are exempt from providing CACs.

Non-market housing providers indicate their eligibility for a CAC waiver in their Development Permit application.

Development Cost Charge (DCC) Reduction

DCCs are fees collected from developers to help fund the cost of growth-related infrastructure and parks. Non-market housing providers may be eligible for a reduction in DCCs of up to 100%.

Planning staff will assist non-market applicants in determining eligibility for a reduction.

For more information contact Development Services at (250) 475-5570.

Other cost reductions:

-Exemption on cash-in-lieu payments for replacement trees

-Alternative bonding requirements for off-site works and landscaping bonds

Operational Support

Permissive Tax Exemptions

Non-profit organizations who provide affordable rental or supportive housing in Saanich can apply for a Permissive Tax Exemption, which helps reduce ongoing operating costs for the project.

How to apply:

Inquiries can be directed to PermissiveExemptions@saanich.ca.