Esquimalt, Greater Victoria
Renovations and builds in Esquimalt
Esquimalt’s homes are older and mostly apartments, and its small-scale housing rules are due for another look after the 2026 election. We renovate older homes and build garden suites here, and the quote is free.
Esquimalt · Greater Victoria
Free written quotes
After a site visit, with what is fixed and what is an allowance.
One contract
One point of contact, from quote to final walkthrough.
Licensed trade partners
Electrical, plumbing and gas, under our management.
Victoria to the Lower Mainland
Greater Victoria, up-Island and Metro Vancouver.
Esquimalt’s housing
In the 2021 Census, 29.5% of Esquimalt’s occupied homes were built in 1960 or before and 40.9% between 1961 and 1980. Apartments under five storeys make up 46.4% of homes, and single-detached houses 23.2%.
Many older homes here have buried heating-oil tanks. If you’re renovating one, the Township issues an Oil Tank permit and sends owners to Esquimalt Fire Rescue (250-414-7126) for removal or installation.
- 23.2% single-detached houses
- 46.4% apartments under five storeys
- 29.5% built in 1960 or before
Esquimalt rules for suites and infill
Esquimalt calls garden suites detached accessory dwelling units. They go in the rear yard only, up to 65 m² (700 ft²), and cannot be stratified. The owner must live in either the suite or the main house.
The Township adopted its small-scale housing zoning in spring 2024. Lots under 280 m² are zoned RSM-1 and lots from 280 to 4,050 m² RSM-2, and you must build at least 3 units to use them. There is no 6-unit zone. Projects need a staff-approved development permit. As of October 2026, a select committee is due to look at changes after the election, so check with the Township.
- Thirteen buildings plus Memorial Park have heritage designation; changes may need a Heritage Alteration Permit.
- A protected tree needs a permit to cut, remove or alter, even if it is dead or hazardous.
- Neighbours may prune overhanging branches under 4 inches thick; larger limbs need a permit.
- Building Inspection: [email protected], Development Services 250-414-7103
Building permits: Township of Esquimalt: building and zoning
Neighbourhoods we cover in Esquimalt
- West Bay
- Lampson/Rockheights
Esquimalt caps small-scale housing at four units and leaves out lots in its high-risk tsunami areas.
Earthquake and tsunami
Esquimalt’s community plan says the Township is in one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Canada. It treats all land next to the ocean as a potential tsunami hazard area, and a tsunami report may be required before you develop. Lots wholly or partly in the high-risk tsunami areas were left out of the small-scale housing zoning.
Esquimalt: common questions
Sources
Statistics Canada, 2021 Census Profile: Esquimalt, District municipality (DM) · Township of Esquimalt: Building permits and inspections · Township of Esquimalt: Detached Accessory Dwelling Units · Township of Esquimalt: Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing · Township of Esquimalt: Heritage and Culture · Township of Esquimalt: Trees and Urban Forestry · Township of Esquimalt: OCP Bylaw 2018 No. 2922 (consolidated Dec 2025). Checked 2026-10-30.
Services
What we build in Esquimalt
More of Greater Victoria · How we run a job
Basements & secondary suites
Finished basements and legal rental or in-law suites, from permits to final occupancy.
Insulation & energy upgrades
Attic, wall and crawlspace insulation and air sealing, planned around how a coast house handles moisture.
Commercial tenant improvements
Interior fit-outs and renovations for offices, retail and restaurants in leased space.
Free quotes
Planning work in Esquimalt?
Tell us what the job is. We’ll email you to confirm your free quote visit.