How long will it take? We track what every Vancouver Island building department publishes about permit processing times, including Nanaimo’s live application queue: BC building permit wait times by city.
The District of Saanich publishes its fees and a detailed Q&A. Here is the math, the process, and the other approvals that often come with a permit.
The District of Saanich publishes its building permit fees, surety deposits and a detailed Q&A, and residential applications go through its online eApply system. This guide explains the fee math, what does and doesn’t need a permit, the other approvals that often come with one, and how to avoid the naming mix-up that sends people to the wrong municipal hall. Figures are from the District’s published pages (listed at the bottom), current as of their September 2025 update. Confirm them before you apply.
There are three Saaniches: the District of Saanich (next to Victoria, and the subject of this guide), the District of Central Saanich (Brentwood Bay, Saanichton) and the District of North Saanich (near the airport and ferry terminal). Each has its own council, permit office and fee schedule. Check your property tax notice or try our Permit Finder before you apply.
Is my project allowed? Zoning decides setbacks, height, lot coverage and whether a suite is allowed on your lot. Check it before you draw or apply for the permit: look up your address on the map, then read your zone in the bylaw.
Checked October 26, 2026 (District of Saanich): SaanichMap · Zoning Bylaw 8200
Saanich requires a building permit for all new buildings over 10 m² (107 sq ft), and for altering, reconstructing, demolishing, deconstructing, removing or relocating an existing building. The District lists these exceptions:
Two useful features of the residential eApply system: you can apply for a demolition and a building permit together (the demolition fee is waived when it’s part of the building permit), and plumbing permits and inspections are included where applicable, though fixture fees still apply.
Saanich charges a non-refundable application fee based on construction value, then a building permit fee.
| Construction value | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Under $15,000 | $100 |
| $15,001 – $100,000 | $300 |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $1,000 |
| $500,001 – $2,000,000 | $3,000 |
| $2,000,001 – $10,000,000 | $7,500 |
| Over $10,000,000 | $15,000 |
Building permit fee: $100 for work valued at $1,000 or less. Above that, it’s $100 for the first $1,000, plus $13 per $1,000 (or part) of the next $499,000, plus $10 per $1,000 (or part) above $500,000.
Worked example, $50,000 renovation (our arithmetic): permit fee is $100 + (49 × $13) = $737. Of that, the $300 application fee is paid when you apply, and the remaining $437 at issuance. The $300 application fee counts toward the permit fee (Bylaw 9529 Appendix A s.2), so the total is $737 in District fees, before any plumbing fixture fees or service connection charges. A $1,000 surety deposit is also collected at issuance (see below).
Other charges from the District’s schedule:
Online credit card payments carry a 2.4% convenience fee, according to the District’s September 2025 announcement.
Saanich lists plumbing, chimney/fireplace/woodstove, blasting, driveway access, sign and development permits, plus business licences. Septic systems are filed with Island Health. Electrical and gas permits come from Technical Safety BC. New homes need third-party home warranty coverage, now administered through BC Housing (formerly the Homeowner Protection Office).
Removing a tree for your project? Our BC tree-cutting permit checker shows which trees Saanich's Tree Protection Bylaw protects, with fees and official links.
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Inspection Services | 250-475-5457 · inspections@saanich.ca |
| Service connections, storm and sanitary questions | Development Services / Engineering · 250-475-5570 |
| Trees | Parks · parks@saanich.ca |
| Municipal Hall | 770 Vernon Ave, Victoria, BC V8X 2W7 |
A non-refundable application fee ($300 for work valued $15,001–$100,000) plus a permit fee of $100 for the first $1,000 and $13 per $1,000 after that, up to $500,000. The application fee counts toward the permit fee (Bylaw 9529 Appendix A s.2), so by our arithmetic a $50,000 job comes to $737 in District fees, with $300 of it paid at application, plus a refundable surety deposit.
Not if it’s under 10 m², meets zoning and doesn’t create a hazard.
Two years from issuance, with a possible one-year extension if you ask in writing at least 30 days before it expires.
With the residential eApply system, plumbing permits and inspections are included in the building permit where applicable. Fixture fees still apply.
Comparing Island jurisdictions? See our Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan and Cowichan Valley guides.
How long will it take? We track what every Vancouver Island building department publishes about permit processing times, including Nanaimo’s live application queue: BC building permit wait times by city.
This guide relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked September 25, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.