Zoning Bylaw #750 establishes the various zones in North Saanich that control land use and density including siting requirements, minimum lot size requirements for subdivision, lot coverage and building height and size.  Any changes to the Zoning Bylaw are done by way of a rezoning application.  The rezoning application must be compatible with the policies of the Official Community Plan or else an Official Community Plan amendment is also required at the same time.  These types of applications can only be approved by Council and must be processed in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act and other applicable federal and provincial legislation.  A public hearing can also be required. 

With the exception of land use and density, which can not be varied, it is possible to ask for permission to vary some aspects of the Zoning Bylaw such as siting requirements.  A variance does not change the Zoning Bylaw, but if approved, can allow for an exception to be made.  If the variance request pertains to the siting, dimensions or size of a building or structure, is minor in nature and involves a hardship, then application should be made to the Board of Variance.  All other variance requests require the permission of Council and are made by way of a development variance permit application.

If a property is within a designated Development Permit Area, a development permit may be required in order to undertake certain types of development, including construction, subdivision, the altering of land and/or the removal of vegetation.  All commercial, industrial and multi-family properties require a development permit for external changes to their buildings and any development of the site.  There are also a number of development permit areas in North Saanich for environmental sensitivities, most notably Tsehum Harbour and Lagoon, the Gullhaven area and the East Saanich Road/Cresswell area where a development permit is needed before altering the land.  In order to ascertain if a development permit is required, please contact the District office at 655-5470 and ask to speak to a Planner. 

Development Application Form – required for all applications

Owner’s Authorization Form – required for all applications when the property owner is not the applicant, in other words, the owner is using an agent or has given someone permission to make an application

Rezoning, Official Community Plan Amendment Application Form – required when there is a rezoning and/or official community plan amendment being requested

Development Permit and Development Variance Permit Application Form – required for a development permit and/or development variance permit

Board of Variance Application Form – for those variance requests that will be going to the Board of Variance