If you are considering improvement projects on your property, such as landscaping or tree pruning, you may require permits.
It is especially important to check out the regulations relating to work on ocean front properties, near creeks, and watercourses. These permits may be issued independently or in conjunction with a building permit, but in some cases they may need to be dealt with before a building permit issuance. Our Resource Library has the related application forms you will need.
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A blasting permit is required for all blasting operations in the District. Your application package should include the completed blasting application form, along with proof of insurance, proof of blasting certification and a site plan with the description of the proposed works.
Contact the Engineering Department at 250-544-4210 further information.
Further information regarding burning regulations and permits is available from the Fire Department Burning Information page.
To demolish a building or structure, or to remove interior partitions, you are still required to complete and submit the regular building permit application form. As part of the permit submission, you should include a site plan of the property, indicating which building is to be removed or demolished or floor plans showing the interior alterations. Prior to issuing a demo permit for a building, staff would need to cap any existing municipal services. This can be arranged through the District's Engineering Department.
In addition, please check with Worksafe BC about the safe removal of any hazardous materials, as per the provincial regulations.
Driveway permits are often issued in conjunction with a new dwelling but may also be issued for an additional or wider driveway, as long as your proposal complies with the zoning bylaw (Part 6, Section 42). For residential properties, the maximum width (for the portion on District property) is 7 m; or 7 m plus a second 3 m wide driveway for a corner lot.
Contact the Engineering Department at 250-544-4210 further information.
Fences are permitted to be installed without a permit; however, there are regulations relating to fences in the Land Use Bylaw. A summary of these regulations can be found in the Guide to Fences.
A building permit is required for a retaining wall 1.2 m (4') or higher. A structural engineer must design a retaining wall of this height, and the details should be submitted with the building permit application. A retaining wall is also considered a fence for the purpose of the Land Use Bylaw, so pay particular attention to the fence height regulations, especially if an actual fence or guardrail is to be constructed on the top of the retaining wall. Refer to the Fences guide for further information.
If your property is served by a private sewage system AND your construction project includes any of the following, you must engage an authorized practitioner (P. Eng or ROWP) to review your system:
- New dwelling unit;
- Increase to the floor area of a dwelling;
- Increase to the number of bedrooms for a dwelling;
- Locating any new structure close to an existing septic system; or
- Construction or legalization of a secondary suite within the dwelling.
The P. Eng or ROWP would then provide, as part of a building permit application,
- an assessment letter/compliance inspection report, with certification stamp, indicating that alterations are NOT required to the septic system due to the proposed construction; or,
- a Record of Sewage System document with details of the modified or new system, accepted by Island Health (VIHA).
Private onsite sewage disposal systems are regulated by the provincial Sewerage System Regulations and monitored by Island Health . Please contact Island Health for further details.
The Official Community Plan (OCP Section 11, Schedule E map) identifies waterfront areas in Central Saanich as Marine Shoreline Development Permit areas. There are also areas designated with Terrestrial Sensitive Ecosystems identified on the map. You may be required to obtain a development permit for work within 15 m inland from the natural boundary of the ocean or for work within the sensitive ecosystem areas. This is required prior to the issuance of any building permit. Additional information is available from the guide Shoreline and Sensitive Terrestrial Ecosystems (see Related Documents, below) and the Planning Permits page.
Soil deposit or removal permits are required to monitor and regulate the deposit of fill on land or removal of any substances. This includes soil, sand, gravel, rock,or any other material that can alter the contours of the land. A permit would not be required for the typical work involved in new dwelling construction.
Contact the Engineering Department at 250-544-4210 further information.
The Engineer Department reviews all building permit applications, in part, to manage the storm water run off according to the Surface Water Management Bylaw (No. 1606). If your project includes new impermeable surfaces (paved driveways, walkways, patios and new roof area), you may be required to detain the storm water collection, prior to discharging into the municipal main or ditch. To determine the requirements, you need to calculate the total impermeable surface area for this project, and any others completed within the last five years.
- If less than 200 square meters, no detention is required.
- If between 200 and 400 square meters (for single or two family dwellings), a detention storage tank is required on site.
- If 400 square meters or greater (or other than a single or two family dwelling), a Run-off Control Plan prepared by a Professional Engineer is required, designed to meet the retention capacity outlined in the bylaw.
For more details, check out the Surface Water Management Plan bylaw, or contact the Engineering Department at 250-544-4210
The Official Community Plan (OCP Section 11 and Schedule F map) identifies specific areas in Central Saanich as riparian or sensitive aquatic ecosystems. The map shows the development permit areas, and work in and around these locations may require a development permit. This would be required prior to the issuance of any building permit. Additional information is available from the guide Riparian and Sensitive Aquatic Ecosystems (see Related Documents, below) and the Planning Permits page.
Permits are required for both in-ground swimming pools and permanent above ground swimming pools. A building permit application would clearly show the location of the pool on the property, the area of the pool, provide a cross section through any structure, and structural engineer design as required. A plumbing permit would be required when plumbing is connected to existing systems.
The submitted site plan would also have to demonstrate compliance with the zoning bylaw. This includes showing setbacks from all pools to the property line (Section 30 (4)) and lot coverage calculations (for above ground pool and decks).
For details about everything trees - check it out the Tree webpage. You can even submit a permit application to prune or remove a tree online!
Wood-burning appliances, such as wood stoves or an insert, require a permit to install in an existing code complying masonry chimney. The Fire Inspector will process and issue this type of permit. Please contact the Fire Department for more information at 250-544-4238, or find the application form here [PDF/728KB]. If you are rebuilding or constructing a new masonry chimney, a building permit is required.
On occasion it is necessary to use the services of a contractor to undertake the installation of a driveway crossing or utility service connections in the road allowance or municipal property adjacent to your site. Any such work requires the contractor to first obtain a permit to Work in the Road Allowance.
Contact the Engineering Department at 250-544-4210 further information.