Planning and Development

Q: Are tiny homes or homes on wheels permitted in the District of Sechelt?

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.”

Q: Can I build a basement suite or secondary suite on my property?

Yes, secondary suites are permitted on all residential zoned properties. More information can be found on our secondary suites page, to read the requirements to build a secondary suite.

Q: Can I build a suite on top of my garage?

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.

Q: Can I put a shipping container on my property?

A shipping container requires a building permit and must comply with the zoning regulations.

Q: Can I put a yurt on my property?

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.

Q: Do I need a tree cutting permit to cut down a tree on my property?

Please review our  guide to protecting trees (private property) to read when a tree cutting permit is required. Tree cutting is regulated by Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009.

Q: Does the District of Sechelt allow coach/laneway houses?

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.

Q: How do I pay for my development application? (OCP, Rezoning, Subdivision, Development Permit, Development Variance Permit, Building Permit)

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.

Q: Is cannabis production and/or retail permitted in the District of Sechelt?

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.

Q: What can I build on my property?

You can find the zoning regulations and permitted uses on our zoning page.

Q: What is a Section 219 Covenant?

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.

Q: What size of garage can I build?

Please review 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.

Q: When may a Section 219 Covenant be required?

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.

Q: Can I subdivide my property?

Many factors must be considered when determining if a property can be subdivided. Please call the planning department to make an appointment with a planner to discuss whether the property in question has subdivision potential.

Q: How can I get an address for my property?

The Sunshine Coast Regional District assigns all the addresses for the Sunshine Coast. Contact the SCRD at 604-885-6800 or go to https://www.scrd.ca/Addressing.

Q: How can I get my property connected to the municipal sewer line?

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

Q: What is the process to install a septic tank on my property or locate the current septic field?

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) regulates all septic fields and has the files for septic systems installed on the Sunshine Coast. Find information on the VCH FAQ page, or contact an Environmental Health Officer at environmental.health@vch.ca or call 604-885-5164.

Q: Where is the nearest gas line in relation to my property?

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

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

Q: Where is the nearest water connection to my property?

Contact the Sunshine Coast Regional District Water Services Division at 604-885-6800 or https://www.scrd.ca/Water.