Online application for Board of Variance
The online application allows applicants to complete and submit their applications digitally, including uploading and submitting documents. If you have any questions please email BOV@saanich.ca.
Meeting Details:
To view agendas and minutes for the current year, please view the 2025 Agendas & Minutes webpage. A link to watch the meeting or speak about an application can also be found on the 2025 Agendas & Minutes webpage
BOV Application Information:
- 2025 Meeting Dates & Application Deadlines
- Document Checklist
- Application Project Data Table - New Home Construction
- Application Project Data Table - Additions & Converting an Existing Garage/Carport
- Application Project Data Table - Accesory Buildings
- Letter of Assurance from BC Land Surveyor Form
- SAMPLE Application Project Data Table - New Home Construction
- SAMPLE Application Project Data Table - Additions & Converting an Existing Garage/Carport
- SAMPLE Plans
- Mandate and Meeting Procedures
- Terms of Reference
- Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
- Garden Suites
Purpose
The Board of Variance is a statutory committee comprised of five volunteer representatives appointed by Council and meets once per month on the second Wednesday evening. The Board of Variance has the power to grant minor variances from the Zoning Bylaw in situations where compliance respecting the siting, dimension, or size of a building or structure would cause a person undue hardship. A variance may not vary the density or use of land, and if granted, expires two years from the approval date.
Minor variances include:
- The provisions of the Tree Protection Bylaw within certain limitations.
- The prohibition of a structural alteration or addition under Section 911(5) of the Local Government Act.
- A subdivision servicing requirement under Section 938 (1) (c) of the Local Government Act in an area zoned for agricultural or industrial use.
For more information, please refer to the Board of Variance Bylaw.