New guidelines and permit process for infill housing
Our Official Community Plan has been updated with new housing policies and guidelines specific to infill housing. These will help meet our community’s evolving housing needs in a manner that is sensitive to the character of Central Saanich.
The updates impact development or redevelopment of:
- small lots 500 m2 or less or narrow lots with a lot frontage of 15m or less,
- accessory cottages,
- duplexes,
- panhandle lots,
- pocket neighbourhoods, and
- small-scale multi-family developments up to 8 units
These developments now require a Development Permit. Why? Adopting guidelines specific to infill developments that are implemented through a Development Permit process provides guidance to property owners and designers to ensure new developments are sensitively done and contribute positively to the neighbourhood. This is the same processes that is in place for commercial, industrial and multi-family developments. For complete Intensive Residential Development Permit Area, please see Section 11.10 of Official Community Plan Bylaw 1600, 2008 (section 4 for policies, 11.10 for guidelines.)
These policies and guidelines were developed during the District’s 2018-2020 Residential Infill and Densification project.