District of Central Saanich

Houseplexes and townhouses are now permitted on all residential zones inside the urban containment boundary. Houseplexes include duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in the Residential Neighbourhood zone and up to six or eightplexes in the Residential Corridor zone. Houseplexes and Townhouses are typically designed to be compatible in scale and form with established single-family neighborhoods, maintaining community character while increasing density. These housing types can provide more affordable options compared to single-family homes, making homeownership more attainable for middle-income households and younger generations.

It is important to note that the number of permitted dwelling units is not a guarantee of achievable density. Development proposals must comply with all other regulations, bylaws, BC Building Code and any legal encumbrances registered on title.

What has changed?

The maximum number of permitted residential buildings is two in most zones, however it is limited to one residential building on lots less than 280m²in the residential neighbourhood zone.
Lot coverage and FAR varies depending on the number of units proposed and the residential zone. Specifically the Residential Corridor zone supports more compact housing forms and higher density.
New requirements for soft landscaping are included as part of the zoning update and ranges from 15%-20% depending on the zone and lot size.
Residential building height and is dependent on proposed number of units and ranges from 8m/2storeys for 1-2 units and 11m/3 storeys for 3 or more units.

What does this change mean?

Most types of infill will require a Development Permit to ensure design aspects of development are consistent with The Official Community Plan Development Permit Guidelines - Schedule A, Section 9.
Properties zoned Residential Neighbourhood are permitted to build three or four dwelling units based on lot size. Properties zoned Residential Corridor are permitted to build three, four, six, or eight units depending on lot size. Below is a unit density map that outlines the maximum number of units permitted on a property. This map is for illustrative purposes only and the number of permitted dwelling units is not a guarantee of achievable density.
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FAQ's

What about parking and pedestrian safety issues that arise with more housing?

Parking and traffic concerns are often raised when new developments are proposed, regardless if a variance to reduce parking is requested. Realizing this is a subject matter that needs to be looked at more closely, the OCP amendments include two new policies:

Update the off-site servicing standards to include on-street parking as part of the frontage improvements, in balance with other priorities for use of the roadways such as sidewalks, street trees, and bike lanes.
Consider establishing a Parking Fund to collect cash-in-lieu payments when a variance is granted, that would be used to improve public parking and alternative transit infrastructure.

Another project initiative currently underway in the District is the development of an Active Transportation Plan, which would help identify priority locations where pedestrian and cycling improvements are most needed, and where new pathways can improve connectivity throughout the District.

Houseplexes

FAQ's

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