Neighbourhood Homes - Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

Zoning Bylaw Amendments

  • The proposed Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) Zoning Bylaw amendments were given Final Reading and adoption at the June 10, 2024 Council meeting.
  • The Zoning Bylaw amendments will come into effect on June 30, 2024. 
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  • For more information please review the Council documents:

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) Development

  • The SSMUH Zoning Bylaw amendments will allow 3, 4, or 6 units, without a rezoning, on residential lots within the Urban Containment Boundary depending on lot size and location.
  • The proposed SSMUH changes include a recommendation to exempt parcels with 4 units or fewer from requiring a Form and Character Development Permit, and recommend changes to the Development Permit Area (DPA) Guidelines where a permit is still required (5 units or more). These changes will be considered at a Public Hearing on June 18, 2024. View the agenda here.
  • The proposed SSMUH changes also include allowing both a secondary suite and a garden suite on the same property, allowing more than one secondary suite per lot (maximum one secondary suite per unit), and removing the owner occupancy requirement for secondary suites and garden suites.
  • All residential development in the District of Saanich requires a Building Permit.
  • Guidance will be released in June to assist property owners wanting to develop SSMUH or add additional units to their property.

How many units can I build on my property? How do I apply to build SSMUH?

  • Guidance will be released in June to assist property owners in determining how many units they can build on their property, any exemptions that may apply to their property, and how to apply for permits required for SSMUH.

Will properties outside of the Urban Containment Boundary be allowed a secondary suite and/or a garden suite?

  • This item will be considered at the Council meeting on June 24, 2024. 

Background

  • In November 2023, the Province introduced Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) 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. 

  • 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.