Oak Bay Custom Home Building

About the Tree Canopy

Oak Bay is well known for trees and park-like gardens and, like most municipalities, has regulations around trees and tree protection. This also includes a requirement for the amount of tree canopy covering residential lots.

A notable amount of the municipality has pockets of Garry Oak trees, which are protected. Oak Bay’s oldest Garry Oak tree is over 400 years old. What trees are on your property and whether these trees can be removed will affect the home you plan to build. In some cases, designing the home around the trees, rather than removing the trees to accommodate the house, will be your best option.

In the cases when a tree must be removed, a tree work application is required to obtain a permit. Information and applications can be found on the District of Oak Bay website along with an approved tree planting list and tree planting instructions.

The complete tree protection bylaw is available here.

Building on the Waterfront

Oak Bay is characterized by a significant amount of oceanfront property, with a number of bays and coves providing unique views in proximity to nature. Oak Bay’s waterfront is a part of the oldest migratory bird sanctuary on the Pacific Coast.

The rocky beach frontage that characterizes the area also influences building techniques as homes are often built on rock near the ocean’s edge.

As a more established neighbourhood, many of the homes are classified as legal nonconforming homes. This means the homes were built legally and continue to be legal, but a new home would not be permitted to be built in the same way or location due to modernized bylaws or environmental or building codes. In these cases a large-scale renovation will often better achieve the homeowner’s desired results. Consult with your builder to be sure you know how the current restrictions affect your project plans as bylaws and building codes change frequently.

Concerning Existing buildings

Oak Bay is 100% built out. In nearly every case you will need to make decisions about the house already on the lot. In many cases the existing home on the lot is larger than current bylaws allow, meaning a brand new home on the lot will need to be smaller than what exists. An extensive renovation will maintain an equivalent footprint, while upgrading the home’s amenities and style.

When a completely new custom build is the solution, the existing home will have to be deconstructed. Some materials can be repurposed for use in other buildings and in some cases the home can be moved to another property for a second life.

While Oak Bay has a mandate to preserve the heritage character of some neighbourhoods, very few homes in the District are designated as heritage homes. There are grants available as well as guidance and other resources available.

The Oak Bay Heritage Foundation is also an excellent resource for heritage-related questions.

Design Requirements for Oak Bay Custom Homes

In some areas within Oak Bay, additional home building requirements are in place to ensure the form and character of an area are upheld. In the Uplands neighbourhood, a designated National Historic Site, housing proposals must be reviewed and approved by the Advisory Design Panel before moving to the building permit stage.

The Advisory Design Panel is composed of a group of professionals and homeowners that advise Municipal staff and assist with setting expectations on the form and character of a home or renovation being proposed. Aspects to be considered include how the design fits with neighbouring properties as well as the overall character of the neighbourhood.

In this case it’s especially critical to work with the architect and builder to address any sensitivities in the very early stages. For instance, Oak Bay has a dark skies policy which must be considered in your lighting plan. This extra step in the building process means the initial process takes longer and changes made after the approvals will add further to the timeline. Early consultation with your builder and architect will help avoid changes later that can add to your timeline and cost.

Fortunately, the staff in the Municipal Hall are some of the best group of professional planners out there, offering competent and timely answers as you navigate through your project.

Horizon Pacific Contracting has a longstanding relationship with the many departments involved in home building as well as extensive experience with custom homes and heritage home renovations in Oak Bay. Contact us when you are ready to start your Oak Bay dream home.