Glossary of Key Terms

The legal process of dividing a parcel of land into two or more lots. Subdivision can also include boundary adjustments, lot consolidations, and phased developments. The Bylaw definition reads:

The division of land into two or more Parcels, whether by plan, apt descriptive words or otherwise. It includes Lot Line Adjustments.

Technical rules that set out how infrastructure - like roads, sidewalks, drainage, and street lighting—must be designed and constructed when land is subdivided or developed.

A planning approach that ensures streets are safe and accessible for all users—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers—regardless of age or ability. Complete streets often include sidewalks, street trees, lighting, bike lanes, and stormwater features.

In Sooke’s updated bylaw, complete street standards vary based on road classifications in corresponding service level areas, recognizing that different streets serve different functions and volumes of traffic.

A specific situation where certain bylaw requirements do not apply. 

The Road Atlas is a new tool introduced with the bylaw that maps existing and future road networks and identifies each road a classification and corresponding level of service. 

• Local roads – primarily serve neighbourhoods with lower traffic volumes and slower speeds. 

• Collector roads – connect local roads to arterial roads and accommodate higher volumes of traffic. 

• Arterial roads – carry the highest volumes and are designed for through-traffic. 

The Road Atlas provides clear definition for each road classification, improving transparency for applicants and ensuring future infrastructure supports Sooke’s transportation, safety, and climate goals. It was developed in response to feedback from the building and development community seeking clarity and consistency early in the subdivision design process.

Essential works and services infrastructure servicing for water, sewer, storm drainage and roads to support subdivision or development. 

Works and services located within that portion of highway immediately adjacent to a parcel comprising highway, transportation infrastructure that supports walking, bicycling, public transit or other alternative forms of transportation, traffic calming measures, sidewalks, curb, gutter, catch basins and leads, street signs, boulevard improvements and landscaping, boulevard crossings, street lighting, underground wiring and driveway letdowns .

A small technical change made to the bylaw (or its schedules) to support clarity or implementation.
Minor adjustments may occur after third reading but before adoption, and do not necessarily require the bylaw to be rescinded and re-read, provided the intent and scope remain unchanged. These refinements help ensure smooth implementation while respecting the public review process.

A bylaw must go through three readings and adoption before becoming law.

• First reading introduces the bylaw and allows it to be placed on the agenda.

• Second reading allows Council to debate the bylaw’s principles.

• Third reading confirms Council’s intent to adopt the bylaw in its current form.

• Adoption (Fourth Reading) is the final step that enacts the bylaw into law.
  If substantial changes are made after third reading, the bylaw may need to be rescinded and re-read.

An improvement that requires the issuance of a building permit

An adjustment or alteration of the boundaries between existing Parcels that does not result in any additional Parcels.

 Highway 14, Town Centre, Arterial, Collector, Local and Laneway as identified in Schedule 1.

Please see Schedule 6 in the Bylaw.

The Town Centre, Suburban Area or Rural Area as identified in Schedule 1.