News release

For immediate release

Garden suites, also referred to as backyard cottages, have been legal to build on single-family properties in Saanich for over a year now.

 

One year Garden Suite Program update 

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich completed the first annual review of the Garden Suite Program, assessing the new regulatory framework and outlining considerations for improvements. In the first year, 67 garden suite applications were received.

The Garden Suite Program is a Saanich-led initiative that aims to provide Saanich homeowners with an additional opportunity to introduce a rental suite or convert an existing accessory building into a garden suite, if it meets policy. As part of the program, development permit approval authority is delegated to staff provided that the proposed garden suite meets zoning requirements. 

A garden suite is a detached, ground-oriented dwelling typically located in the rear yard of a property with a single-family house as its principal use. A garden suite can only contain one dwelling unit and can be used for family or as a long-term rental unit.

"A key objective of our Garden Suite Program was to increase housing options by providing a clear set of regulations to homeowners looking to create a backyard cottage," said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes. "I'm thrilled our original objective to supply more possibilities for multigenerational housing on existing lots or more rental housing is being realized in just its first year. Every bit counts and with over 103 applications already in, this program provides new opportunities for inter-generational housing support and ageing in place. Combined with the extensive series of additional housing initiatives now underway, this program helps us to solve the housing challenge."

It’s been legal to construct a garden suite on an eligible RS-zoned property through a Development Permit process since the Garden Suite Program launched in October 2020. To date, 50 Development Permit applications have received approval.

One-Year Program Review highlights

Below is a summary of feedback received and observations made during the program’s first year, and some potential areas for improvements.  

Key feedback

• The regulatory framework is clear and comprehensive.
• Garden suites provide an opportunity to address intergenerational living situations.
• Some residents would prefer the requirement for a Development Permit be removed, but the majority support the use of the Design Guidelines and a Development Permit.
• Siting is the most common variance requested, followed by an increase in gross floor area and decreases in rear lot coverage.
• Many property owners are interested in converting accessory buildings to garden suites.

Proposed changes

As part of receiving the one year report, Council identified improvements to address key issues. These changes include:

• Allowing garden suites in side yards and front yards (in addition to rear yards, as currently permitted);
• Expanding the geographic areas for garden suites to include RS-zoned properties within the Urban Containment Boundary that are not within the Sewer Service Area;
• Adding a map in the zoning bylaw to show areas where garden suites are permitted to clarify the exclusion of the Broadmead covenant area;
• Expanding approval authority for garden suite Development Permits; and
• Making several minor changes to the regulatory framework to improve clarity and enhance process efficiency.

The Garden Suite Program is being monitored to ensure the regulatory framework continues to perform well. A two-year review will provide a full summary of program outcomes and potential refinements.

To read the One-Year Garden Suite Program Review, visit Saanich.ca/gardensuites.

Quick facts

• As of the end of October 2021 (one year mark since regulations were enacted), 67 Development Permit applications were received by planning, and 25 received approval.
• Of the 67 garden suite applications received in the first year, 57 were for new garden suites, and ten were for converting existing accessory buildings to legal suites.
• As of May 2022, over 100 Development Permit applications have been received by planning, and of those, 50 have received approval.
• Garden suites are permitted on most single-family residential (RS-zoned) properties. 

Learn more

To learn more about the Garden Suite Program and the application process, visit Saanich.ca/gardensuites.

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Media contact:
Erika Schade
Communications Manager
erika.schade@saanich.ca
250-812-0952