Public Hearings and Development Input Opportunities
The Local Government Act requires that a Public Hearing be held before Council adopts an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw or to the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw. At the Public Hearing, all persons who consider their interest in property affected by a proposed application, will have an opportunity to present their views to Council.
New requirements for Public Hearings (Bill 44):
Public hearing may not be held when:
The zoning bylaw amendment aligns with the official community plan, and
The zoning bylaw amendment is intended to facilitate residential development where at least half of the gross floor area of all buildings in the development are designated for housing.
For proposals where a Public Hearing is not to be held notification of First Reading of the amendment Bylaw is provided.
Your only opportunity to comment on the proposed Bylaw is prior to and during the Public Hearing. Council is not permitted to receive further submissions once it has closed the Public Hearing. All submissions will form part of the public record.
During a Public Hearing, Council will not debate the merits of the proposed bylaw nor enter into dialogue with the public. There is no opportunity at the hearing to debate the views of other members of the public.
Council is committed to ensuring that all people who speak at a Public Hearing are treated in a fair and respectful manner. No form of discrimination is acceptable or tolerated. The Council Chamber is a place where all human rights are respected and where we all take responsibility to create a safe, inclusive environment for everyone to participate.
Mail your submission to Corporate Services, Municipal Hall, 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 2A9
In-Person, bring your submission, addressed to Corporate Services, to the front counter of plan in the drop box located at the entrance of the Municipal Hall.
In-Person - The public is permitted to direct Council during a Public Hearing. Once a Public Hearing ends, the public comment period is closed.
Virtually - Register to speak via electronic meeting, email municipalhall@csaanich.ca or call 250-652-4444 by noon on the day of the Public Hearing and you will be sent instructions on how to connect electronically to the meeting.
The District Municipal Hall Council Chambers located at 1903 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, B.C. V8M 2A9
Development and Subdivision Applications In Process
Applications that have been received by the District and development is proposed to occur are on our New Development Tracker. This list includes current projects such as rezoning, development permits, future subdivisions and variance applications.
A public hearing is an opportunity for members of the public to make representation to Council before adopting or amending:
Official community plan bylaws
Zoning bylaws
Bylaws for the early termination of land use contracts
At the public hearing, all persons who believe they are affected by the proposed bylaw must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard. This involves an opportunity to make a speech or presentation to the elected officials or to present a written submission.
Notice must be given in accordance with Section 94 of the Community Charger prior to the hearing. Notice must be not less than three days and not more than ten days before the date of the public hearing.
The notice must state:
The time and date of the hearing
The place of the hearing
if the hearing is conducted by means of electronic or other communication facilities, the way in which th ehearing is to be conducted by those means
In general terms, the purpose of the bylaw
The land or lands that are the sugject of the bylaw
The place, time and dates where the bylaw and related materials may be viewed .
If the bylaw alters the permitted use or density of any area or the residential tental tenure in any area, or limites the form of tenure to resitendial rental tenure in any area, then the notice must be mailed or otherwise delivered at least 10 days before the public hearing to owners and tenance within a distance that is specificed in the local government bylaw. The requirements for individual mailouts does not apply if the alteration affects 10 or more parcels of land owned by 10 or emore persons.
After the close of the public hearing (either the same day or at a later meeting), the council may:
Adopt or defeat the bylaw
Alter and then adopt the bylaw (as long as the changes don't alter the use, increase density, or decrease density without the consent of the landowner).
At the Public Hearing, Council will not debate the merits of the proposed bylaw nor enter into dialogue with the public. There is no opportunity at the hearing to debate points-of-view expressed by other members of the public.
Presentations or submissions must be received by Council before the Public Hearing. When the Public Hearing is closed, Council is not permitted to receive or consider any further submissions.
After the Public Hearing, Council will discuss, express opinions and vote on the third reading and adoption of the proposed bylaw amendments. If Council does not support the bylaw at third reading, the bylaw may be defeated, or Council may postpone its decision until further information is received from staff. Council may only receive information from staff and the information may only address issues raised at the Public Hearing.
It is important to note and understand that Council has not made up its mind on the issue. While a Council member may have a position on an issue, they each come to the Public Hearing with an open mind, to listen to and hear from the public. You are being given the opportunity for Council to hear your views and opinions on the application.
