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Building permit application routes in Saanich
Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
Building permit application routes in Saanich. Choose Saanich’s residential or commercial digital permit route based on the structure and project.
Key information
Choose Saanich’s residential or commercial digital permit route based on the structure and project. Each structure needs a separate building application. MySaanich handles uploads, payment, status and inspection booking. Development, servicing and tree reviews can also affect the project.
On this page
Key facts and next steps
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which projects use the residential route? | The district includes single-family homes, garden suites, accessory buildings, houseplexes and specified Part 9 townhouses. A project's actual building classification matters; ask Inspections if the residential/commercial boundary is unclear. |
| What account is needed for the digital process? | A MySaanich account is required for an application, document uploads, fees, inspection booking and application status. Prepare the relevant project documents before starting the chosen portal. |
| Can a development approval be needed first? | The commercial page says most new structures need an approved Development Permit before a building application. Planning and servicing requirements can also affect a project. Do not treat the building portal as the only approval. |
Sources: Building Permits · Residential Permits · Commercial, Industrial · Other Permits
Process at a glance
- Which projects use the residential route
The district includes single-family homes, garden suites, accessory buildings, houseplexes and specified Part 9 townhouses. A project's actual building classification matters; ask Inspections if the residential/commercial boundary is unclear.
- Which projects use the commercial route
Commercial, institutional, industrial and Part 3 residential buildings use that route. It covers new structures, additions, renovations, tenant improvements and demolition. Small-scale multi-unit housing is directed to the residential page.
- What account is needed for the digital process
A MySaanich account is required for an application, document uploads, fees, inspection booking and application status. Prepare the relevant project documents before starting the chosen portal.
Sources: Building Permits · Residential Permits · Commercial, Industrial · Other Permits
Choose the project category
Which projects use the residential route?
The district includes single-family homes, garden suites, accessory buildings, houseplexes and specified Part 9 townhouses. A project's actual building classification matters; ask Inspections if the residential/commercial boundary is unclear.
Source: Building Permits
Which projects use the commercial route?
Commercial, institutional, industrial and Part 3 residential buildings use that route. It covers new structures, additions, renovations, tenant improvements and demolition. Small-scale multi-unit housing is directed to the residential page.
Source: Commercial, Industrial
Does one application cover several structures?
No. The source says a separate building application is required for each structure. A site with a house, suite building and accessory structure should not assume one generic form covers every building.
Source: Residential Permits
Sources: Building Permits · Residential Permits · Commercial, Industrial · Other Permits
Submit documents and related approvals
What account is needed for the digital process?
A MySaanich account is required for an application, document uploads, fees, inspection booking and application status. Prepare the relevant project documents before starting the chosen portal.
Source: Residential Permits
Which residential portal choices are listed?
New Build, Addition, Renovation, Other and Demolition. Examples include garden suites, decks, use changes, pool fences and retaining walls. Choose by the actual proposed work rather than the shortest-looking form.
Source: Residential Permits
Do demolition and plumbing always need separate forms?
The district says applicable demolition and plumbing work can now be included in the building application. Its separate-permit page still covers other situations. Confirm the correct route for work not contained in the main application.
Source: Residential Permits
Sources: Building Permits · Residential Permits · Commercial, Industrial · Other Permits
Inspect and track the application
Can a development approval be needed first?
The commercial page says most new structures need an approved Development Permit before a building application. Planning and servicing requirements can also affect a project. Do not treat the building portal as the only approval.
Source: Commercial, Industrial
Where do I check servicing and tree requirements?
The building page links the Subdivision Bylaw's ScheduleH, Development Cost Charges, fire-flow requirements and Trees and Development guidance. Review those for the actual site and project rather than assuming every fee or requirement applies.
Source: Building Permits
How do I arrange an inspection?
Use the linked eInspection service and the current inspection guide. The MySaanich process also supports inspection booking and application status. Keep the actual permit reference when asking staff about progress.
Source: Building Permits
Which special permit routes are also listed?
The Other Permits page names plumbing, blasting, building moves, temporary buildings and chimney/fireplace/woodstove work. Their presence is a reason to ask about the correct category, not permission to begin work without approval.
Source: Other Permits
Sources: Building Permits · Residential Permits · Commercial, Industrial · Other Permits
Apply, book or get help
Sources: Building Permits · Residential Permits · Commercial, Industrial · Other Permits