What you can build
| Zone and lot | Units |
|---|---|
| R1, R1 ESA, R2, R2 ESA and R3, 280 square metres or less | 3 |
| R1, R1 ESA, R2, R2 ESA and R3, over 280 square metres | 4 |
| R4 manufactured home | 1 |
| RM5, RM6, RM7 and RM7 WS, lots under 750 square metres | Up to 4 |
The multiple residential extension came through Amendment Bylaw 2290, which also waived the amenity requirement for those lots. No six unit transit tier appears anywhere in the bylaw or the Town's guide.
Sources: Sidney Zoning Bylaw 2275, Sidney SSMUH Guide
Coverage, height and setbacks
| Zone | Maximum lot coverage |
|---|---|
| R1 | 50 percent |
| R1 ESA | 35 percent |
| R2 | 45 percent |
| R2 ESA | 30 percent up to 1,000 square metres, 20 percent above |
| R3 | 50 percent |
Height is 10.5 metres at a roof pitch of 3:12 or less and 12.0 metres above that, to 3 storeys.
In R1, the front setback is 3.0 metres on lots up to 400 square metres and 4.5 metres otherwise, with 3.0 metres at the rear, 1.2 to 2.0 metres on the interior side and 3.0 metres on the exterior side.
There is a 15 metre no build strip from any natural boundary of the sea.
Sources: Sidney Zoning Bylaw 2275
Trees and parking
The Tree Preservation Bylaw requires removal permits and replacement planting, at 3 to 1 for a Douglas fir over 12 metres.
Parking is worth confirming before you design. The stated standard is one space per unit, but the Town's own guide notes that the Off Street Parking and Loading Bylaw had not yet been updated, leaving interim requirements tied to the older single and two family standards.
What your title might say
Zoning is only half the answer. The provincial policy manual states that existing section 219 covenants are not affected by the small scale multi unit housing legislation, and that a valid statutory building scheme registered on title limiting a property to one dwelling unit takes precedence over the density the zoning permits. Order a title search on the PID before you price density into an offer.
There is a full post on what a covenant or building scheme does to your density.
Sources: SSMUH Provincial Policy Manual and Site Standards, Property Law Act, section 35
FAQ
How many units can I build in Sidney?
Three units on a lot of 280 square metres or less and four above, in the R1, R1 ESA, R2, R2 ESA and R3 zones. Up to four in RM5, RM6, RM7 and RM7 WS on lots under 750 square metres.
Is there a six unit tier in Sidney?
No. No six unit transit tier appears in Sidney's zoning bylaw or its guide.
How close to the water can I build in Sidney?
Not within 15 metres of any natural boundary of the sea.
How much parking does Sidney require?
The stated standard is one space per unit, but the Town's guide notes the parking bylaw had not been updated, so interim requirements follow the older single and two family standards. Confirm with the Town before you design.
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