Saanich is looking at new rules to maximize farming potential in agricultural areas and limit the impacts of residential uses on farmland.
Currently, residential buildings on farmland in Saanich can be placed almost anywhere on a lot, aside from basic setback rules. That means homes and accessory structures – like garages or pools – can be scattered across a property, disrupting usable farmland, stated a staff report.
However, at its June 2 meeting, Saanich council unanimously voted to direct staff to amend its zoning bylaw to require that residential structures be contained within a 2,000-square-metre radius.
Introducing a “farm residential footprint," this new guideline would consist of a designated area on agricultural land where all residential structures must be built with the goal of limiting urban spread and preserving agricultural land.
Additionally, the maximum distance allowed between homes and accessory structures – ranging from 8 to 12 metres – would depend on the size of the property.
On undeveloped land, the footprint must be located within 60 metres of a roadway. This bylaw would only apply to new or redeveloped properties, not existing homes.
Coun. Susan Brice supported the amendment, saying it strikes a balance between the needs of farmers and the protection of the land itself.
“I'm delighted to support it as it protects farmland, which is a primary goal of this council, and at the same time recognizes the value of having those involved in farming and other contiguous uses be able to be housed on the property and not to negatively impact the farmland,” she said.
There are currently 2,665 parcels of land in Saanich zoned as agricultural.
