Bed and Breakfast Guidelines

The following information is given for your convenience only and it should be clearly understood that you must satisfy yourself as to whether the premises and the existing or proposed uses thereof, are, or would be, in conformity with all applicable bylaws and regulations of the Municipality.

What zoning do I need to operate a bed and breakfast?

All RS, RD and A zones, except A-2C.

Do I need a business licence?

Yes.  The cost is $100.00, payable to the Licence Department located on the 2nd floor of the Saanich Municipal Hall building.  The billing period runs January 1st to December 31st and must be renewed annually. (See Licences on the left-hand side for more information).

Requirements:

Not more than 40 m² (430 ft²) or 20 percent of the combined gross floor area of all structures on a lot, whichever is lesser, shall be used to provide sleeping accommodation for guests in a bed and breakfast.

Only residents of the dwelling unit shall engage in the Home Occupation Use.

1 parking space per sleeping unit in addition to the 2 spaces for your residential unit.

Only one vehicle used in the conduct of the home occupation shall be stored or parked on the lot in an unenclosed manner.  In no case shall the gross vehicle weight of this vehicle exceed 4200 kg (9,259 lbs).

Advertising shall comply with the requirements of the Municipal Sign Bylaw.

No commodity shall be sold or displayed on the premises.

No person shall carry on any activity for a home occupation use which will create any vibration, noise, heat, glare, odour, or electrical interference which is detectable from outside the premises or which will discharge smoke, fumes, or any toxic or other noxious matter into the atmosphere.

There shall be no outside storage of materials, commodities, or finished products and the home occupation shall be carried on only within a building or structure.