What you can add
Every zone permits one secondary suite per dwelling. On parcels over 0.8 hectares, the option is one secondary suite or one detached secondary suite.
Bylaws 712 and 713, adopted by resolution on 15 December 2025, expanded the permitted housing types, increased accessory dwelling unit sizes, and on agricultural land reserve parcels over 0.8 hectares allowed an additional accessory unit aligned to the ALR use regulations.
Sources: Metchosin 2025 OCP and LUB Housing Updates, Metchosin public hearing package, Bylaws 712 and 713
Subdivision
In Rural Residential 1, the minimum subdivision lot is 0.4 hectares with community water and 0.8 hectares on private wells. The difference is there to keep water supply and septic effluent from conflicting.
Sources: Metchosin public hearing package, Bylaws 712 and 713
What your title might say
Whatever the zoning permits, a covenant or building scheme registered on title can restrict it further. Order a title search on the PID before you rely on any permission.
There is a full post on what a covenant or building scheme does to your density.
FAQ
Does Bill 44 apply in Metchosin?
No. Metchosin has no municipal or regional sewer system, so the entire District is exempt from housing densities of 3 dwelling units or more on a parcel.
Can I add a suite in Metchosin?
Yes. Every zone permits one secondary suite per dwelling, and on parcels over 0.8 hectares you can choose a detached secondary suite instead.
What changed in Metchosin in December 2025?
Bylaws 712 and 713 expanded permitted housing types, increased accessory dwelling unit sizes, and allowed an additional accessory unit on agricultural land reserve parcels over 0.8 hectares, aligned to the ALR use regulations.
What is the minimum lot size to subdivide in Metchosin?
In Rural Residential 1, 0.4 hectares with community water and 0.8 hectares on private wells.
Development potential by municipality
Every Greater Victoria municipality adopted the provincial rules differently. These guides set out what each one actually permits.
- Development potential in the City of Victoria
- Development potential in Saanich
- Development potential in Oak Bay
- Development potential in Esquimalt
- Development potential in View Royal
- Development potential in Colwood
- Development potential in Langford
- Development potential in Highlands
- Development potential in Metchosin
- Development potential in Sooke
- Development potential in Central Saanich
- Development potential in North Saanich
- Development potential in Sidney