| Q. |
When is a building permit required? |
| A. |
A building permit is required
for all new buildings over 10 sq m (107 sq ft).
(Saanich Building
Bylaw available on-line) |
| Q. |
How can I ensure my plans
meet municipal bylaw requirements? |
| A. |
Staff in the Planning Department
at the Municipal Hall will provide interpretation of
the Zoning Bylaw and the Building Code. The Saanich
Zoning Bylaw is also posted on-line. For additional
information regarding issues including height
(PDF 960 KB), Gross
Floor Area and basement/non basement areas (PDF
360 KB) please refer to brochures available on-line
or at the Inspections Department. |
Q.
|
How do I apply for a building
permit? |
| A. |
Building permit application
forms (PDF 114 KB) are available at the Municipal
Hall or on-line. All submission requirements are
listed. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
|
| Q. |
Why does the building permit
application forms ask for so much information? |
| A. |
In order to process your
application in a timely manner, adequate and complete
information must be provided to allow staff to review
the application to ensure compliance with regulatory
restrictions. Incomplete information will result
in a denied permit. |
| Q. |
How do I deal with roof and
ground storm water? |
| A |
It is recommended that all
clients contact Saanich Engineering to determine what
storm and sanitary sewer connections currently exist
for the property or if any upgrades or connections are
required. Enquiries can be directed to 475-5570. |
| Q. |
Once I start construction,
what building inspections do I need and how do I manage
them? |
| A. |
Any necessary inspections
will be outlined on your permit. Inspections can
be booked by calling the Inspections Booking Clerk at
475-5458, 24-28 hours in advance. |
| Q. |
What is HPO and why do I
need it? |
| A. |
HPO is the Homeowners Protection
Office. Provincial legislation requires a third
party warranty for all new dwelling units. The
HPO program is administered by the HPO. For more
information call the HPO office at
1-800-407-7757 or visit their website at www.hpo.bc.ca |
| Q. |
How much will a building
permit cost? |
| A. |
Fees charges are based on the value of construction, as determined by the Manager of Inspections Services:
- Non-refundable Application Fee: for construction value of $6,000 or less: $30. For construction value greater than $6,001: $100.00
Final building permit fees:
- For permits $1,000 or less in value: $50
- For permits greater than $1,000: $50 for the first thousand plus $13 per thousand or part for the next $499,000, plus $10 per thousand or part for all the value greater than $500,000.
- For extension: $50
|
| Q. |
Are there any additional fees or permits
required? |
| A. |
Yes, additional permits and
fees could be required. These could include plumbing,
fireplace, chimney, and wood burning applicance permits.
Additional fees could include water meter fees, service
hookup fees including storm water and sanitary sewer
connections. To determine if any of these fees
will apply please contact the Permit Coordinator at
the Inspections Department. |
| Q. |
Will I be charged a surety deposit? |
| A. |
Yes. A $500 surety
deposit is required for construction on a building permit
issued for works on existing buildings and $1,000 deposit
for construction of new buildings. This deposit
is fully refundable after final inspection and issuance
of any occupancy permit, providing there is no damage
to public property. |
| Q. |
Can I cut down trees or trim them prior
to receiving a building permit? |
| A. |
No. A tree permit may
be required under the Tree
Preservation Bylaw. The Bylaw and a Q &
A information brochure, "Trees
and Construction in Saanich" is available on
request or on-line. All enquiries related to trees
should be directed to the Saanich Parks Department at
475-5522. |
| Q. |
How can I determine if my lot has any
covenants, easements, rights-of-way registered against
it? |
| A. |
A certificate of title obtained
by the Land Title Office will be required to be submitted
as part of your building permit application package.
This certificate will identify any encumbrances listed
against your property. Information and clarification
on information registered against title can be acquired
from municipal staff. It is your responsiblity
to be aware of any that could affect any planned building
designs.
|
| Note:
Any private covenants registered against the property
are not enforced by the Municipality. |
For more detailed information please contact
Inspection Services at 475-5457.
