If you plan on developing your property, you may need a development permit. For assistance determining which applications apply to your project, contact developmentservices@victoria.ca.
Development Permits
Rezoning
- Review the property’s zoning using VicMap, including the permitted height and density. If you are unsure, contact City staff.
- Consider a pre-application meeting with staff to review the conceptual plan for the proposed development to receive high-level guidance on key issues, policies and technical requirements. This can improve the application process and save you time.
- If your zoning allows for the type of development you are considering and you choose not to schedule a pre-application meeting:
- Review your project for compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines:
- Applicable development permit guidelines (consult the City’s Official Community Plan to determine any applicable development permit areas or heritage conservation areas and associated guidelines)
- Tree Protection Bylaw
- Tenant Protection Bylaw
- Zoning
- Contact Development Services to discuss your plans and the requirements for your application.
- Review your project for compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines:
- Apply for a development permit if required. The application form lists all the documents requiredSubmit your application and all the supporting documentation to zoning@victoria.ca. Staff will contact you to arrange payment.
- City staff will review the application for compliance with the relevant bylaws and guidelines. If needed, they will advise on necessary revisions. Site visits of the property may be required.
- Once your development permit is approved, contact Building and Inspection Services to help you obtain the necessary permit(s) for construction.
- You are ready to build when you receive your building permit.
Q: What is Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)?
A: New provincial legislation requires a minimum of three to six housing units to be permitted on properties that qualify as restricted zones. A restricted zone restricts residential use to detached single-family dwellings with or without suites, or duplexes with or without suites.
Q: What is the provincial government’s new SSMUH legislation?
A: The Province required governments to make changes to zoning bylaws by June 30, 2024 to allow for a minimum of three to four housing units in single-family or duplex restricted zones and a minimum of six housing units in areas near bus stops with frequent transit service, depending on location. Read more on the provincial initiative here.
Q: How does this legislation apply in Victoria?
A: The vast majority of residential properties in the city are zoned to allow for three or more units, subject to the General Residential Zoning in Zoning Bylaw 2018, consistent with the legislation.
The citywide Tenant Protection Development Permit Area (TDPA1) requires a development permit for a redevelopment that displaces tenants. TDPA1 requires that applicants comply with the City's Tenant Protection During Redevelopment Bylaw.
The Tenant Assistance Plan – Part A must be completed and submitted as part of your Development Permit application.
Please email housing@victoria.ca to request the Tenant Assistance Plan Initiation Form to start your Tenant Assistance Plan.
If there are no tenants in the property proposed for redevelopment, but there have been in the previous six months, you will need to provide proof of lawful tenancy agreement termination. Please contact City staff at housing@victoria.ca for more information.
Forms and Templates
- Household Needs Assessment– This document must be sent to tenants before a land use application is submitted to the City. It is meant to inform tenants about what compensation they are entitled to and collect information that will be used to create the Tenant Assistance Plan.
- Compensation Letter – After the Tenant Assistance Plan is approved, applicants must send this letter detailing a summary of the compensation tenants can expect (this will be different for each tenant).
