What you can add
Secondary suites are permitted under section 206 of Zoning Bylaw 1255. A suite must be self contained, have two bedrooms or fewer, and sit entirely within a single family dwelling. They are permitted in the RA 1 to RA 6 zones, the R 1 to R 3 zones and several comprehensive development zones.
Guest cottages are permitted under section 204. They are detached and self contained, and they are allowed in the RA 2, RA 6, R 2 and R 3 zones, but only on parcels over 0.4 hectares.
Sources: North Saanich Zoning Bylaw 1255, North Saanich secondary suites and guest cottages
What is changing
North Saanich is under a provincial housing target order dated 30 July 2024, requiring 419 new homes by 31 July 2029. The Year 1 target was 60, and 12 were completed in the first year.
A replacement zoning bylaw, draft Zoning Bylaw 1606, is in progress. It clarifies the secondary suite, carriage house and guest cottage definitions and adds new residential and townhouse zones. It was still in draft as of 16 September 2026. The Official Community Plan, Bylaw 1587, was adopted on 14 July 2025.
In North Saanich, that draft is the thing to watch, not Bill 44.
Sources: North Saanich housing targets and legislation, North Saanich zoning bylaw update
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 North Saanich?
No. North Saanich has no land within the Urban Containment Boundary, so the small scale multi unit housing tiers do not apply anywhere in the District.
Can I add a secondary suite in North Saanich?
Yes, in the RA 1 to RA 6 and R 1 to R 3 zones and several comprehensive development zones. It must be self contained, have two bedrooms or fewer, and sit entirely within a single family dwelling.
Can I build a guest cottage in North Saanich?
In the RA 2, RA 6, R 2 and R 3 zones, on parcels over 0.4 hectares.
Is North Saanich changing its zoning?
A replacement zoning bylaw, draft Zoning Bylaw 1606, is in progress and adds new residential and townhouse zones. It was still in draft as of 16 September 2026.
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