The resources on this page will provide documentation information that may be required for a successful Building Permit application. Depending on the type of permit you are applying for, all, or part, of the following may be required.
To learn more about which documents are required for your project, please visit the Residential Building Permit page.
- Access most frequently asked questions in the Permit Q&A section.
BUILDING PERMIT DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
TITLE SEARCH
A title search is a critical part of the municipalities due diligence processes that involves confirming the legal ownership and associated rights of a property.
- Requirement: With every building permit application
- Must be current within the last 30 days
- Access the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia here.
- You will require a Parcel Identifier (PID) for the property (nine-digit number unique to each parcel of land), often found on property tax notices.
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COVENANT
A covenant related to a building permit involves a legal agreement registered on the land title that imposes specific restrictions or obligations on the property. Such covenants are typically used to ensure that construction or development complies with certain conditions that benefit the community or adhere to planning policies.
- Requirement: required if listed on Title for any scope of work; only encumbrances listed to Saanich are required.
- Access the Covenants Guideline here.
- Access the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia here.
- The covenant should be registered with the Land Title Office.
Example:
EASEMENT
An easement is a legal right granted to a person or entity to use a portion of land owned by someone else for a specific purpose. Easements can impact the issuance of building permits as they may impose certain restrictions or obligations on how the land can be developed.
- Requirement: If going outside of existing building footprint; only encumbrances listed to Saanich are required.
- Access the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia here.
- The easement should be registered with the Land Title Office - this ensures the easement is legally recognized.
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RIGHT-OF-WAY
A right of way (ROW) refers to a legal right granted to allow passage over someone else's land, which can impact land development and the issuance of building permits.
- Requirement: If going outside of existing building footprint; only encumbrances listed to Saanich are required.
- Your application must be complete with detailed site plans showing the location and dimensions of the proposed right of way.
- You may be required to provide documentation such as property deeds, surveys and any relevant environmental assessments.
- Access the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia here.
- The right of way should be registered with Land Title Office as an encumbrance on the property title for legal verification.
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL APPROVAL
Archaeological approval is a process conducted under the oversight of regulations that aim to protect archaeological sites and artifacts, which are considered non-renewable cultural resources.
- Requirement: Only required if digging and/or going outside of existing building footprint
- Access the BC Archaeological Information Request form here.
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LIMITED HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REPORT
A Limited Hazardous Materials Report is a critical process in identifying and managing the presence of hazardous materials in buildings, particularly before renovation, demolition, or significant maintenance work. This report is vital for ensuring safety and compliance with environmental and occupational health regulations.
- Requirement: For buildings constructed prior to 1990
- Access Hazmat Survey process information here.
Example:
HOMEOWNER WARRANTY (HPO)
According to the Homeowner Protection Act and regulations, new homes built in B.C. by licensed residential builders must be covered by mandatory, third-party home warranty insurance.
- Requirement: For new dwellings
- Access more information here.
Example:
PROJECT DATA TABLE FOR SMALL-SCALE MULTI UNIT HOUSING (SSMUH)
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BC ENERGY COMPLIANCE REPORT
A BC Energy Compliance Report is a crucial element in ensuring that building projects adhere to energy efficiency standards and code requirements. This report is required under the BC Building Code, which encompasses energy-related provisions to promote sustainable construction practices.
- Requirement: For new dwellings
- Access more information here.
Example:
LETTERS OF ASSURANCE
A formal document used to affirm that a registered professional (such as an architect or engineer) takes responsibility for the design and/or field review of part or all aspects of a building project, and ensures compliance with the Building Code and other relevant bylaws.
Types:
- Most common: Schedule B (Assurance of Professional Design and Commitment for Field Review): Indicates the professional’s commitment to ensuring their area of responsibility, such as electrical or structural engineering, meets the necessary standards.
- Schedule A (Conformation of Commitment by Owner and Coordinating Registered Professional): This confirms that a Coordinating Registered Professional (CRP) is retained to coordinate work related to the Building Code and other applicable bylaws.
SITE SERVICING DOCUMENTATION
Some building permits being sought will require improvements to existing municipal underground and/or surface infrastructure, as well as require verification of available fire flow.
Where detailed design is required to support the required improvements and/or fire flow verification is required, you must engage a Professional Engineer to provide engineering drawings and documentation, as required.
Useful resources:
Contact: Development@saanich.ca with any questions related to servicing requirements.
ARBORIST REPORT
As part of a building permit application process an arborist report may be required when the proposed construction might impact trees on or near the property.
This arborist report is to include all protected trees on-site, or any off-site that have a dripline within 4 m of proposed development activities. Please note that all trees growing on Saanich owned property are considered protected under Saanich’s Tree Protection Bylaw No.9272
An arborist report is required when there are protected trees on-site, or any off-site that have a dripline within 4 m of proposed development activities. The tree management plan describes how trees will be retained and protected during development activities or justifies why protected trees require removal. On occasion, Parks may require additional information to demonstrate on-site tree replacement is feasible.
An arborist report and tree management plan typically includes but is not limited to:
- An assessment of the tree's health, structure, and location.
- Recommendations for tree preservation or removal.
- Potential impacts of construction activities on the trees.
- Measures for tree protection during construction.
Access more tree related information here.
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SEWERAGE DISPOSAL
A Sewerage Disposal Assessment is a critical evaluation required for properties that will use on-site sewage systems, rather than being connected to municipal sewage systems. This assessment ensures that the property has a suitable infrastructure to safely treat and dispose of wastewater.
- Requirement: if not on city system currently - in A-zone
- Applicable to septic and private sewer systems.
- Access more information here.
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