The District of Central Saanich is looking to change zoning bylaws on ALR land to more closely align with recently updated provincial policies. As a result of provincial changes in legislation for the Agricultural Land Reserve local governments may now consider permitting up to three dwelling units on a single property. This could include a principal dwelling, a secondary suite in the principal dwelling, and a detached accessory dwelling, such as a cottage or carriage house.
In addition to considering land in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), Central Saanich is including rural properties in the analysis. In total, the zoning changes could affect up to approximately 1,097 Central Saanich properties (487 zoned rural and 610 zoned agricultural).
Currently, Central Saanich’s Agriculture zones only allow for a secondary suite. Within most of the Rural Estate zones, either a secondary suite or detached cottage or carriage house is permitted.
The District is seeking public input on options via a survey available online at LetsTalkCentralSaanich.ca and at Municipal Hall. Input from this survey will help inform the options presented to Council. There are five options outlined, although staff note the recommendation may also be ‘something in-between’.
The survey is available until December 15, 2023.
Background: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AFF0043-001352