Back To Top

No, tiny homes are not permitted as they do not meet the minimum zoning requirements for building width “No building containing a dwelling unit shall have a width less than six (6.0) metres, of which at least seven point three (7.3) metres (twenty-four (24.0) feet) or forty (40%) percent of the building length (whichever is greater) is enclosed climate controlled habitable living area.”

Yes, secondary suites are permitted on all residential zoned properties. Click here to read the requirements to build a secondary suite.

A suite on top of a garage may be permitted if the property meets the zoning regulations for a guest cottage. A guest cottage cannot be larger than 55m². Parking space must be provided for the additional dwelling.

Yes, you can live in a trailer (or temporary structure) while building your primary dwelling but it requires a temporary building permit. A temporary building may only be erected on a lot if it is in conjunction with the construction of a primary dwelling. A permit for the temporary building may be granted for up to six (6) months, with the option to renew the permit once for an additional six (6) months. Once the temporary building permit has expired, the structure must be removed. A security deposit of $2,000 is required.

A shipping container requires a building permit and must comply with the zoning regulations. Shipping containers are not permitted in residential zones.

Yes, yurts are permitted. They must comply with the zoning setbacks and regulations. Yurts can be used for storage but may not be inhabited or used as a dwelling.

Please call the planning department to make an appointment with a planner to discuss whether the property in question has subdivision potential.

No, a certified BC Land Surveyor must identify property lines and pins. A list of certified professionals can be found on the following website: https://www.abcls.ca/

Please click here to read our brochure on when a tree cutting permit is required.

Tree cutting Bylaw No. 484, 2009

An engineering stamp is required if the structure is greater than 55 square metres or if the property is located in a development permit area.

The zoning bylaw currently does not allow laneway houses. Laneway houses are being proposed in the new zoning bylaw (Bylaw 530) which is being drafted.

The SCRD assigns all the addresses for the Sunshine Coast. Contact the SCRD at 604-885-6800

Confirm with Engineering or the Public Works department whether sewer service is available at your property. If sewer service is available, fill out the following application located here.

To pay for your development application, please come to the District of Sechelt Municipal Hall. We accept payment by cheque, cash, bank draft, debit and credit card (Visa and Mastercard only). A credit card may be used for payments up to $5,000. The District of Sechelt does not accept e-transfers.

A building permit can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, possibly longer, to issue depending on how many applications are in the queue. We will call you when your building permit is ready.

In any residential (R) zone, fences constructed on the front lot line cannot exceed 1.3 metres in height. Fences constructed between the front parcel line and front building line cannot exceed 1.3 metres in height. Fences constructed on a side lot line and rear lot line cannot exceed 2.0 metres in height. For further information, refer to section 313 in Zoning Bylaw No. 25, 1987

No, the District of Sechelt only accepts complete applications for building permits with the exception of the Home Protection Office Registration form as that is sent to us directly. Please click here to review the Building Department Application Checklist.

Information on cannabis retail can be found here.

Cannabis production is currently permitted in the following industrial zones under certain conditions: I-3, I-5, I-6 and I-7.

Visit our zoning webpage for more information.

Please review the zoning map here to see what the zoning is for the property in question. Next, you can find the zoning regulations and permitted uses here.

An agreement between a local government and the owner of land, where the owner’s rights to use the land, build upon the land, or subdivide the land are limited to further some public purpose.

Authorized by Sec. 219 Land Title Act, restrictive covenants are one of many tools used by local government in the regulation of land use and building use.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) regulates all septic fields and has the files for septic systems installed on the Sunshine Coast. Contact VCH at 604-885-6101

Please click here to refer to Part Three General Provisions of the District of Sechelt Zoning Bylaw 25, 1987 on Accessory Buildings and Structures. The maximum size of an accessory building is determined by the size of the property. The permitted size of an accessory building ranges from 55 m² to 250 m². Accessory buildings must not be located within 1.0 metre of any property line and cannot be greater than 6 metres in height. Accessory buildings are captured in the calculation for the maximum lot coverage that is permitted on the property. Please refer to the zoning requirements to determine the maximum lot coverage allowed for the property in question.

Geotechnical Hazard – A Section 219 Covenant restricting the use of the land in accordance with a qualified professional’s report may be required if a property is subject to a geotechnical hazard.

Use FortisBC's interactive map to determine whether natural gas is available in your neighbourhood.

FortisBC phone number: 1-888-224-2710.

Contact the SCRD at 604-885-6800