Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

Upcoming Information Sessions

Interested in learning more about Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) in Saanich? Wondering how many units you can build, what type, and where? Get your questions answered at the upcoming virtual SSMUH Information Sessions:

• Afternoon Session – November 14^th 12:00pm – 1:30pm
• Evening Session – November 14^th - 7:00pm – 8:30 pm
• Register for a webinar time on HelloSaanich

 Join us to:

• Learn about new Zoning Bylaw amendments for SSMUH
• Discover tools and resources to help you determine what you can build on your property
• Understand how to apply for SSMUH

 

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) Development at a Glance

The Zoning Bylaw amendments for Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) are effective on June 30^th, 2024. 

• The SSMUH Zoning Bylaw amendments allow 3, 4, or 6 units, without a rezoning, on residential lots within the Urban Containment Boundary depending on lot size and location.
• Parcels with 4 units or fewer are exempt from requiring a Form and Character Development Permit.
• Saanich now also allows both a secondary suite and a garden suite on the same property, allows more than one secondary suite per lot (maximum one secondary suite per primary dwelling unit), and has removed the owner occupancy requirement for secondary suites and garden suites.
• All residential development in the District of Saanich requires a Building Permit. This includes new or recommissioned secondary suites.

Resources

• For more information on how many units you can build, and of what type, see this info sheet about adding dwelling units on your property.
• For more information on what to consider, including servicing information and how to apply, review the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Guide.
• Refer to the SSMUH Project Data Table for an overview of what information you will have to include with your application.
  SSMUH Project Data Table (fillable PDF)
  SSMUH Project Data Table (Word)
• Refer to the Development Cost Charge (DCC) Interpretation Bulletin on how SSMUH projects will be charged.
• For SSMUH developers interested in subdivision or the creation of strata titled lots, see Subdivision. Please note that municipal approval is required in cases where a previously occupied building is to be included in a strata plan, this is called Strata Conversion. 

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

• Properties outside of the Urban Containment Boundary are allowed 1 secondary suite. All secondary suites require a Building Permit.

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.