The OCP sets the community’s long-term vision for growth, housing, land use, and sustainability. It guides decisions on development, transportation, parks, and environmental protection.
Planning and Development
Community Planning helps shape how Sooke grows — balancing development needs with environmental protection, community character, and long-term sustainability.
The District’s Planning and Development Services team is responsible for zoning and Official Community Plan (OCP) policy review and development. Planners provide professional advice and research to Council, committees, members of the public, community groups, and partner agencies including various provincial ministries, T'Sou-ke and Sc'ianew Nations and the Capital Regional District.
Our Role
Community Planning:
- Guides the development, review, and implementation of the Official Community Plan and neighbourhood plans.
- Prepares and reviews zoning, subdivision, and development-related bylaws.
- Provides policy direction and technical support for housing, transportation, and environmental initiatives.
- Supports Council’s advisory committees with professional planning advice and research.
- Works collaboratively with residents and builders to align new development with community goals.
The Official Community Plan (OCP) is currently under review to reflect updated housing legislation, growth needs, and community priorities. Learn more at letstalk.sooke.ca/ocp.
Plans, Policies and Reports
Community Planning provides the foundation for development decisions. The documents below guide land use, infrastructure investment, and service delivery. Expand each section to learn more.
The Zoning Bylaw defines how land may be used and developed. It establishes permitted uses, building heights, setbacks, and densities for every property in Sooke.
Subdivision and Development Standards Bylaw
This bylaw regulates the design and construction of infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, drainage, and utilities in new developments.
Housing and Child Care Needs Assessments
These reports provide data on housing demand, affordability, and access to child care. They inform Council’s decisions on housing policy and community investment.
Master Plans translate the OCP’s vision into detailed strategies for specific service areas. Together, they coordinate how we plan, build, and maintain Sooke’s infrastructure and amenities.
- Parks and Trails Master Plan: Guides park upgrades, new trail connections, and open space investments to enhance outdoor recreation and quality of life.
- Transportation Master Plan: Outlines priorities for walking, cycling, transit, and road improvements to create a safe, connected, and accessible transportation network.
- Climate Action Plan: Sets goals for reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, and building local resilience through sustainable practices.
- Fire Master Plan: Defines service levels, staffing, and equipment needs for Fire Rescue to protect community safety as Sooke grows.
- Liquid Waste Management Plan: Establishes a long-term framework for wastewater collection, treatment, and environmental protection.
Current Topics in Planning
Community planning is continually evolving to respond to new provincial legislation, local housing needs, and community priorities. The District is actively reviewing key policy areas that influence how and where Sooke grows. Expand the sections below to learn more.
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)
In line with provincial legislation (Bill 44), the District's zoning allows a greater diversity of homes — including secondary suites, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes — on most residential lots.
These changes will expand housing options for families, downsizers, and local workers while maintaining neighbourhood character and community design standards.
Provincial legislation for short-term rentals, under the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, requires that rentals be limited to a host's principal residence plus one additional unit (like a secondary suite) on the same property.
Operators must obtain and display a local business license on their online listings and are subject to the new provincial registry, which launched in July 2025. The new rules aim to return more properties to the long-term housing market.
Contact Us
District of Sooke
2205 Otter Point Road
Sooke, BC V9Z 1J2
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Phone: 250-642-1634
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