The Planning and Community Services Department takes the lead in land use planning and many of the inspection and permitting processes for the District of North Saanich. The principal functions of the Development and Community Services Department are:

Planning

Planning and Community Services is responsible for the administration of the development application process and current planning. Staff provide Council with advice on planning matters and develop policies pertaining to land use. Long range planning is undertaken in the form of the Official Community Plan.

Bylaw Enforcement

Departmental staff investigate complaints about possible violations of municipal bylaws and enforce these bylaws. Animal Control is contracted to the Capital Regional District.

Building Inspection

Qualified Building Inspectors administer the BC Building Code and ensure that all buildings in North Saanich are constructed to the standards of the National Building Code.

Permitting Process

Planning and Community Services accepts development permit and development variance permit applications, as well as rezoning and Official Community Plan Amendment applications, temporary use permit applications, Agricultural Land applications, strata-title conversions and blasting permits. Requests to construct seawalls are also processed. All building, plumbing and electrical permits and inspections are the responsibility of this Department.