🌾 Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) & Rural Development
Saanich's approach to land use planning prioritizes agricultural land protection and environmental stewardship while accommodating growth within the Urban Containment Boundary.
Agricultural Land Reserve Policies
Saanich contains significant ALR lands that are protected for agricultural use and subject to special development restrictions.
- A-1 Zoning: Agricultural zone allowing one principal dwelling + one secondary suite
- Maximum Combined Floor Area: 400 m² for residential uses on ALR land
- Agricultural Uses: Priority given to farming, livestock, agricultural processing
- Development Restrictions: More restrictive than Provincial ALC requirements
Rural Residential Development:
- Minimum Lot Sizes: 4,000 m² (1 acre) in rural areas, varies by zone
- Cluster Development: Density transfer to preserve open space and agricultural land
- Agricultural Buffers: Required setbacks from active farmland
- Rural Water Services: On-site wells and septic systems in many areas
📋 Zoning Bylaw 8200 & Rural Zones
Saanich's zoning framework reflects the municipality's diverse character, from urban areas to rural and agricultural lands.
Agricultural Zones
- A-1: Agricultural (ALR), limited residential
- A-2: Agricultural Holding, future development
- RU: Rural residential, larger lots
- RU-1: Rural residential with agricultural uses
Residential Zones
- RS-1: Single family residential
- RS-6: Single family with secondary suites
- RT: Townhouse residential
- RM: Multiple family residential
Commercial Zones
- C-1: Neighbourhood commercial
- C-2: Community commercial
- C-4: Service commercial
- C-8: Shopping centre
Environmental & Special Zones
- P-1: Parks and recreation
- SEA: Sensitive ecosystem area
- WS: Watershed protection
- I: Institutional uses
Download Zoning Bylaw 8200 (PDF) Download Zoning Map 2024 (PDF)
🌿 Environmental Development Permit Areas
Saanich has established comprehensive Environmental Development Permit Areas to protect sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity.
Environmental Protection Zones
- Sensitive Ecosystem Areas - Garry oak meadows, wetlands, riparian areas
- Tree Protection Areas - Significant tree preservation requirements
- Riparian Protection Areas - Streamside protection zones
- Steep Slope Protection - Development restrictions on slopes >20%
- Watershed Protection Areas - Drinking water source protection
Environmental Assessment Requirements:
- Biologist Assessment: Qualified environmental professional report
- Species Inventory: Flora and fauna surveys during appropriate seasons
- Impact Mitigation: Measures to avoid, minimize, and compensate for impacts
- Restoration Plans: Enhancement and restoration requirements
- Monitoring Programs: Long-term ecosystem health monitoring
🏞️ Local Area Planning
Saanich has developed detailed local area plans that address the unique characteristics and needs of different neighborhoods and communities.
Gordon Head
University area with student housing, single-family neighborhoods, and environmental protection focus.
Cadboro Bay
Waterfront community with beach access, heritage character, and environmental sensitivity.
Royal Oak
Mixed-use center with transit connections, commercial services, and medium-density housing.
Tillicum
Established residential area with shopping center, transit improvements, and gentle densification.
Shelbourne Valley
Linear commercial corridor with housing intensification and transportation improvements.
Rural Saanich
Agricultural and rural residential areas with emphasis on farming viability and rural character.
🏡 Subdivision & Development Standards
Saanich's subdivision and development regulations reflect the balance between growth accommodation and environmental protection.
Subdivision Design Requirements
- Cluster Development Guidelines - Density transfer for open space preservation
- Environmental Integration - Subdivision design around sensitive areas
- Agricultural Buffers - Separation requirements from active farmland
- Rural Road Standards - Lower-impact road design for rural areas
- Water Conservation Design - Xeriscaping and water-efficient landscaping
Development Cost Charges & Services
Infrastructure Requirements:
- Water Services: Municipal water in urban areas, wells in rural areas
- Sewer Services: Municipal sewer in designated areas, septic systems elsewhere
- Drainage Management: On-site stormwater management requirements
- Road Improvements: Contribution to road network based on traffic impact
- Parks Dedication: 5% land dedication or cash-in-lieu for parks
🚌 Transportation & Rural Mobility
Saanich's transportation planning addresses the challenges of providing mobility in a large, diverse municipality with varying densities.
Parking & Transportation Demand Management:
- Rural Area Parking: Minimum 2 spaces per dwelling in rural zones
- Transit-Supportive Areas: Reduced parking requirements near frequent transit
- Bicycle Infrastructure: Multi-use pathways and separated bike lanes
- Complete Streets: Accommodation of all transportation modes
Transportation Infrastructure
- Transit Service Plan - Bus rapid transit and frequent transit network
- Cycling Master Plan - Connected bicycle network throughout the District
- Pedestrian & Accessibility Plan - Safe walking routes and accessibility
- Rural Mobility Strategy - Transportation options for rural residents
💧 Water Conservation & Management
Saanich has implemented comprehensive water management policies to protect water resources and promote conservation.
Water Protection & Conservation
- Watershed Protection Strategy - Source water protection measures
- Water Conservation Bylaws - Outdoor watering restrictions and conservation requirements
- Rainwater Management - Green infrastructure and stormwater management
- Private Well Protection - Groundwater protection in rural areas
- Drought Response Plan - Water use restrictions during dry periods
Development Water Requirements:
- Water-Efficient Landscaping: Native and drought-resistant plant requirements
- Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraged for irrigation and non-potable uses
- Green Roofs: Incentives for green roof installation in appropriate areas
- Permeable Surfaces: Requirements for permeable paving materials
📁 Document Library
Comprehensive collection of Saanich's rural and environmental planning documents:
Official Plans & Bylaws
Official Community Plan 2008 (PDF) Zoning Bylaw 8200 (PDF) Subdivision Bylaw (PDF)
Agricultural & Environmental Documents
ALR Development Guidelines (PDF) Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (PDF) Environmental DP Guidelines (PDF)
Policy Documents
Rural Saanich Strategy (TXT) Agriculture Plan (TXT) Climate Action Plan (TXT)
Maps & GIS Data
Zoning Map 2024 (PDF) Environmental Areas Map (PDF) ALR Map (PDF)