Public Notice Information Signs

Each Public Notice sign includes:

• The type of application (e.g., Zoning Bylaw Amendment)
• The civic address of the property
• A summary of the proposal
• A map showing the subject property
• Applicant information
• How to provide comments or ask questions

This information is intended to give residents a clear, accessible overview of the proposed change.

Preliminary details about development applications are available through the Development Application Tracker. This interactive map shows current applications and provides basic information such as the application type (e.g., Development Permit, Zoning Amendment, Development Variance Permit, Agricultural Land Reserve application, or combined OCP/Zoning Amendment), the purpose of the application, when the file was opened, and its current status (e.g., received, in progress, or on hold).

Public information about a land use application may be limited in the early stages. This is because applications undergo a referral process, during which District departments and external agencies review the proposal and provide feedback that may lead to revisions. As a result, applications are often iterative and may change before they are ready for further consideration.

Referral Process

During the referral stage, applications are reviewed by internal departments such as:

• Fire Services – emergency access and life-safety considerations
• Parks & Trails – impacts on green space, trail connections, and alignment with the Parks and Trails Master Plan
• Engineering Services – infrastructure needs, drainage, frontage improvements, and consistency with the Transportation Master Plan, including Complete Streets

External agencies may also be asked to comment, including:

• T’Sou-ke Nation
• Ministry of Transportation and Transit
• BC Transit
• School District 62

Their input helps ensure the proposal aligns with community planning objectives, transportation requirements, servicing standards, and cultural or regional considerations.

After the Referral Process

Once the referral review is complete, applications may proceed to Council in the form of a staff report. Staff reports include application details, analysis, and recommendations.

To receive Council agendas - which include related staff reports - subscribe here:

• https://sooke.civicweb.net/Portal/Subscribe.aspx

Depending on the type of application, public notification may be required. This can include:

• A direct mail-out to property owners within 100 metres
• An advertisement in the local newspaper
• Posting of a Public Notice Sign on the property

Some applications, such as an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment, may also require a public hearing, unless exempt under provincial legislation. 

If you have questions or wish to provide input on an application, please contact planning@sooke.ca.

It is helpful to receive comments in writing, as this allows staff to accurately document community feedback and share relevant comments with the applicant as part of the review process.

Learn more about public hearings at:

• sooke.ca/publichearings