The District of Saanich does not permit the operation of short-term rental accommodation which is defined as stays that are less than 30 consecutive days.
- Short-term rental of the principal dwelling unit is not permitted;
- Short-term rental of a self-contained dwelling unit is not permitted.
This is in line with the goals of the District’s Housing Strategy to preserve the availability and affordability of long-term rental housing for residents.
Saanich’s regulations exceed and are compliant with Short-term rentals – Province of British Columbia.
District of Saanich Regulations
Short-term rentals in Saanich:
- As per the Zoning Bylaw 8200, Section 2, the District defines short-term rentals as: the renting of a dwelling unit, or one or more sleeping units in a dwelling unit, for overnight accommodation for a period of less than 30 consecutive days, but does not include Bed and Breakfast or Tourist Accommodation.
- Short-term rentals are prohibited in all zones.
Long-term rentals in Saanich:
- Long-term rentals refer to accommodation of any housing type that is rented to a tenant for a minimum of 30 consecutive days.
- Long-term rentals do not require the property owner to obtain a business license.
FAQs
Why does Saanich prohibit STRs?
STRs can have the effect of reducing the supply of long-term rental housing for permanent residents of Saanich by converting residential units into temporary accommodations for tourists. Prohibiting short-term rentals prioritizes much-needed homes for people wanting to live within the District. This action is aligned with the District’s Housing Strategy and is consistent with regulations in other municipalities in the Capital Region.
By prohibiting STRs, is Saanich in conflict with the Provincial legislation?
No. The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act gives local governments the authority to determine more restrictive STR regulations and implement stronger enforcement tools as needed. See Short-term rentals - Province of British Columbia for more information.
Can I rent a self-contained suite or room in my home for 30 days or more?
Yes. The District supports property owners who want to rent a suite that meets the BC Building Code on their property for 30 days or more. This is considered a long-term rental, and a business license is not required. (Note: Any property owner in BC offering a rental for less than 90 days is required to register with the Province by May 1, 2025 at: Short-term rental registration - Province of British Columbia.)
How is prohibiting STRs aligned with Saanich’s Housing Strategy?
The regulation of STRs supports one of the key goals of the District to promote and protect long-term rental housing. Currently, the rental vacancy rate in Saanich (1.4%) is well below a “healthy” level (in the range of 3% to 5%). The District is working on a number of initiatives to attract and protect our rental stock in order to improve this situation. Restrictions on STRs is to prioritize the availability of long-term rental housing during a period of low vacancy and rising rental costs
Through Action 7.1 E of the Housing Strategy, staff will review STR regulations as part of Phase 2 implementation in 2026. The review of STR regulations will consider the new Provincial legislation, rental vacancy levels, and the needs of Saanich renters and homeowners.
What is a Bed & Breakfast?
While STRs are not permitted, Saanich does permit Bed and Breakfasts. The Zoning Bylaw 8200, Section 2, defines a Bed and Breakfast as:
a home occupation use providing temporary accommodation to guests that involves the use of sleeping units in a dwelling unit where the room rental rate includes breakfast provided on the premises.
Bed and Breakfasts are regulated under Section 5.5 Home Occupation Use in the Zoning Bylaw 8200 and are subject to several conditions. For example, not more than 40 m2 or 20% of the combined floor area of all structures on the lot can be dedicated to sleeping areas for the Bed and Breakfast guests. Bed & Breakfasts must take place within a primary residence and are not self-contained suites.
Bed and Breakfasts cannot be operated within:
- a secondary suite (within a principal dwelling),
- a garden suite (detached from a principle dwelling and on the same property), and/or
- another home (apartment or house) that is not the primary residence of the property owner.