P-4: Recreation and Open Space

What the zone allows

Homes allowed

At most one home, for the owner, operator, manager or caretaker of the use it serves (accessory residential, s. 2)

Main uses

Parks, community centres, recreation facilities, adult and child day care; a pocket farm market, produce sales, a temporary farm market and food and beverage sales (only where the lot's main use is a park or recreation facility), a mobile food vendor, an accessory home, accessory buildings (ss. 1030.1, 1030.3)

Smallest lot for a subdivision

No minimum set in the zone

Lot coverage

None set in the zone

Height limit

10.0 m (s. 1030.2)

Setbacks

10.0 m from the front, rear and street side lines, 6.0 m from inside side lines (s. 1030.2)

Most land in this zone is public parks and recreation grounds, so a lot here is rarely for sale (our reading); ask the District what a lot here may be used for before you buy.

Christmas tree sales are allowed from December 1 to 26 (s. 5.23).

Short-term rental (stays under 30 days) isn't among the zone's listed uses (s. 2 defines it apart from bed and breakfast); ask the District whether and how a home here may be rented that way.

Sections 5 (special regulations), 6 (landscaping) and 7 (parking) of the bylaw also apply.

Site-specific exceptions listed in the bylaw by legal description can add or change uses for one property, and development permit areas, the ALR and building rules apply on top. Confirm with the District of Saanich's planning department before you buy or build.

Source: Schedule 1030 of District of Saanich Zoning Bylaw No. 8200 (summarised in our words, checked 2026-10-04); zone map: Saanich Data Catalogue Licence (based on the Open Government Licence – British Columbia).