# Gov Handbook: Central Saanich, British Columbia, Canada

> 24 answers about local government in Central Saanich. Hub page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/ · All answers as JSON: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/index.json · Full text: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/llms-full.txt

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Central Saanich building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/building-permit.md): In Central Saanich you need a District building permit to build, alter, demolish, move or change the use of a building or structure. Apply online only, through the District's online permit system. Small sheds under 10 m² that meet zoning do not need one.
- [Central Saanich fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/fence-rules.md): In Central Saanich you do not need a building permit for a fence. Fences are generally limited to 1.3 m in the front yard and 1.9 m behind the front yard setback line in residential zones, and 2.5 m in agricultural, commercial, institutional and industrial zones.
- [Central Saanich permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Central Saanich you need a building permit to build or replace a deck, and for a shed or garage larger than 10 m² (107 sq ft). A shed under 10 m², such as 8 x 12 ft or smaller, does not need one, but zoning rules still apply.
- [Central Saanich building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/building-permit-fees.md): In Central Saanich, the District's posted 2022 fee schedule sets a building permit at $150 plus 1.30% of construction value for work up to $100,000, with a plan processing fee paid when you apply. Fees may have changed since, so confirm with the Building Department.
- [Central Saanich zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/zoning-lookup.md): In Central Saanich, look up your zoning on the District's interactive GIS map (maps.csaanich.ca). The Zoning Bylaw No. 2270 then sets what uses, density, setbacks and heights your zone allows. Confirm with the Planning Department.
- [Central Saanich secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/secondary-suite.md): In Central Saanich a secondary suite is allowed inside the Urban Containment Boundary in the residential zones if it is wholly inside the main dwelling. A one-storey cottage or two-storey carriage house is also allowed there. You need a building permit.
- [Central Saanich tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/tree-removal.md): In Central Saanich you need a permit to cut or remove a "permit tree" (30 cm or more across, or a protected tree), unless your lot keeps 50 permit trees per hectare and the tree is not protected. The District's web page is stricter and says all permit trees need one.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Central Saanich garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/garbage-collection.md): The District of Central Saanich does not collect garbage. Residents hire a private hauler or take garbage to Hartland Landfill. The Capital Regional District (CRD) runs Blue Box recycling; put recyclables out by 7:30 a.m. on collection day.
- [Central Saanich yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/yard-waste.md): Central Saanich lists no curbside yard waste collection. Compost at home, take yard waste to Hartland Landfill ($59 per tonne, $10 minimum, for material under 3 inches across) or to DL Bins on Keating Cross Road, or hire a collection service.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Central Saanich watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/water-restrictions.md): Yes. From May 1 to September 30 each year, the Capital Regional District's Stage 1 rules apply to customers of the Regional Water Supply System. Odd street numbers may water lawns Thursdays and Sundays; even numbers Wednesdays and Saturdays.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Central Saanich dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dog-licence.md): In Central Saanich, every dog over four months old needs a licence from the District by February 28 each year. The regular fee is $30 for a spayed or neutered dog and $45 for one that is not. Late fees are $40 and $55.
- [Central Saanich dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dog-leash-rules.md): In Central Saanich, a dog in a public place must be on a leash or chain, or with a competent person and under control. The leash is 6 feet (1.8 m). The bylaw mentions off-leash areas but the District does not list any.
- [Central Saanich rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dangerous-dogs.md): In Central Saanich, an Animal Control Officer can designate a dog aggressive or dangerous by written notice. Owners then face strict rules on leashes, muzzles, enclosures and licensing. Report a dangerous dog to CRD Animal Control at 250-478-0624.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/how-many-pets.md): In Central Saanich, you can keep no more than four dogs over four months old on a parcel, and no more than four cats over four months old unless the parcel is larger than two hectares. Keeping a kennel is not allowed.
- [Central Saanich backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/backyard-chickens.md): In Central Saanich, you can keep chickens and ducks on residential lots: 8 combined on lots under 1,858 square metres, up to 12 on larger lots. Roosters over three months old are not allowed unless agriculture is permitted on the parcel. Bees are allowed with a setback.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Central Saanich RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In Central Saanich, parking on a residential street is permitted for 72 hours at a time. On your own lot, the front yard cannot be used to store a boat, or an unlicensed RV or trailer. RV-specific street rules could not be read.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Central Saanich noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/noise-rules.md): Central Saanich's Noise Suppression Bylaw bans noise that disturbs the neighbourhood at any time, and continuous or repeated sound from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Construction is exempt from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Lawnmowers are exempt 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- [Central Saanich unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/unsightly-property.md): In Central Saanich, send a written complaint using the Bylaw Complaint Form or deliver it to Municipal Hall. An officer can order the owner to fix the property within 14 days. Questions: 250-544-4237.
- [Central Saanich backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/backyard-fire.md): In Central Saanich, a small recreational fire needs no permit if it is no more than 0.5 m high and wide. Burning yard waste needs a permit from the Fire Chief and is allowed only in the winter burning season. No fires during a fire prohibition.
- [Central Saanich fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/fireworks.md): In Central Saanich, you need a permit to use fireworks. The District issues a Family Fireworks Permit through Fire Station 1. The bylaw's dates, hours and conditions could not be read, so ask the Fire Department at 250-544-4238.
- [Central Saanich bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/bylaw-fines.md): Central Saanich uses bylaw notices and municipal tickets. The only amounts we could read are from a 2020 municipal ticket schedule, such as $300 for noise and $100 for a dog at large. Current bylaw notice amounts could not be read, so confirm with the District.

## Starting and running a business

- [Central Saanich business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/business-licence.md): In Central Saanich every business operating in the District needs a business licence, including home businesses. New licences cost $25 to $200 depending on type. Renewal is free but you must submit the renewal form. Licences run January 1 to December 31.
- [Central Saanich home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/home-based-business.md): In Central Saanich you can run a home occupation if the family living in the dwelling runs it and it meets the zoning limits. You also need a District business licence, with a $50 new application fee. Renewal is free.

## Housing and renting

- [Central Saanich short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/short-term-rental.md): In Central Saanich, short-term rentals (under 90 consecutive days) are not allowed in residential zones. They are a permitted use only in certain commercial zones and on two named properties. Each unit also needs a Provincial registration number.

## Zoning

- [All 31 zones in Central Saanich, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St