UPDATE: Proposed Bylaw Amendments
The proposed zoning amendments required to comply with the Provincial Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation, inside of the Urban Containment Boundary, were given three readings by Council at the May 13, 2024 Council meeting. They are scheduled to be given Final Reading and adoption at the June 10 Council meeting. To comply with SSMUH legislation, there will be no public hearing.
If adopted by Council the bylaws would come into effect on June 30th, 2024 at which time property owners can submit applications for SSMUH housing as per the amended Zoning Bylaw.
Council also directed staff to prepare an OCP amendment regarding form and character Development Permits (DP) for Houseplexes. The DP changes would exempt lots with 4 units or fewer from requiring a DP and would delegate approval of Houseplex DPs to staff.
The District of Saanich will be creating guidance documents to assist Saanich residents in understanding the new regulations and the application process.
Council Report – Zoning Bylaw Amendments to Permit Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Within the Urban Containment Boundary
Note that Council deferred making a decision with regards to permitting a secondary suite or an ADU outside of the Urban Containment Boundary. This item will be considered at a future Council meeting, prior to June 30th.
Background
Through Neighbourhood Homes, the District of Saanich is implementing policy and regulatory changes that will reduce barriers to infill development in single-detached zones and allow more homes per lot. This type of housing is often referred to as the “missing middle”, and includes forms such as duplexes, townhouses, houseplexes, and small apartments, that can be well integrated into existing neighbourhoods.
In November 2023, the Province introduced legislation requiring local governments to allow 3, 4 or 6 units per lot in all single-detached zones, depending on lot size and location. This will be done through changes to the zoning bylaw. The District of Saanich has until June 30th, 2024 to complete the changes to the zoning bylaw.
As such, a new Neighbourhood Homes Terms of Reference has been endorsed by Council. The new Terms of Reference expedites the Neighbourhood Homes timeline and ensures all legislative requirements are met by June 30th, 2024.
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For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions (updated January 8, 2024).
Stay Informed
The District of Saanich is committed to keeping the public informed with these new zoning changes as much as possible given the Provincial legislation and timeline. Please sign up for notifications to learn when the Council report with the recommended regulatory changes is made public, and to learn when Council will be considering this item.
Neighbourhood Homes Zoning Bylaw Amendments will also be advertised in the Saanich News and on the District website. Details for viewing the bylaw amendments are included in the advertisement and notification. You may email council@saanich.ca to ask to be on the notification list.
Scope of Work and Timeline
- Review and analyze current policy, bylaws, Zoning Bylaw, and regulations.
- Conduct a municipal servicing assessment.
- Prepare a draft regulatory framework including zoning options and regulations regarding the number of permitted units. Different zoning options will be developed for different lot sizes and with proximity to transit, as per the SSMUH legislation.
- Develop recommendations for the development approval process including the possible delegation of development permits (DPs) and development variance permits (DVPs) to staff.
- Review the draft regulatory framework with stakeholders and internal staff as required.
- Prepare the final zoning amendments and Council report.
- Provide information to the public and stakeholders on legislative requirements and proposed zoning amendments.
For more information on the Provincial legislation visit these links:
Small-scale, multi-unit housing legislation – News Brief
Small-scale, multi-unit housing legislation – Technical Briefing