Why Does the Municipality Need a Building Inspection Program?

A key principle of common law is that a Local Authority (municipality) has a “duty of care” to the people who live, work, or travel through the area it governs. The Construction Codes Act (CC Act) confirms this duty and provides local governments with minimum standards and a framework to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of individuals. Adopting building bylaws and appointing Licensed Building Officials significantly reduces a municipality’s liability in the event of construction-related issues.

Every municipality in Saskatchewan is legally obligated to administer and enforce building standards. These standards include the CC Act and Regulations, the National Building Code of Canada, the National Fire Code of Canada, and municipal building bylaws. In 2019, Saskatchewan’s Building Standards introduced Code requirements for energy efficiency.

What is a Development Permit?

Development permits pertain to community planning and specify what can and cannot be done on or to a property. They define the “what” and “where” of the building process. The regulations for development are outlined in the 2005-05 Town Zoning Bylaw, which is governed by The Planning and Development Act, 2007.

What is a Building Permit?

Building Permits are essential for the construction of structures and are governed by the 2023-02 Building Bylaw. This Bylaw, regulated by The Construction Codes Act since January 1, 2022, provides the legislative framework for the application of construction codes. Additionally, the Bylaw adheres to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, which outlines the technical requirements for the design, construction, alteration, change of use, and demolition of buildings.

For more details on permitted, discretionary, and prohibited uses, please refer to our 2005-05 Town Zoning Bylaw and its amendments. You can find zoning information for all properties in town on the Zoning Map. Regulations for each district are detailed in the corresponding sections of the Zoning Bylaw.

Development Applications

A Development Permit Application is required for:

• Building a new structure (larger than 100 ft²)
• Moving an existing structure
• Establishing a new use of a property (e.g., change of occupancy)

Application Process:

1. Complete and submit a Development Permit Application.
2. Provide a site plan showing existing and proposed buildings and distances to property lines.
3. Include any other necessary documents.

Ensure that all required documents are submitted to avoid delays. Incomplete applications may not be accepted. The council will review the application and either approve it, approve it with conditions, or refuse the development.

Development cannot commence before obtaining a permit.

Building Permit Applications

To make any structural changes to an existing building, or once a Development Permit is approved, a Building Permit application can be made. The Town has contracted Professional Building Inspections, Inc. (PBI) to perform building inspections. Development and building permit applications and payments should be submitted to the Town office, not directly to PBI.

Permits are not required for building a fence, painting your house, or replacing roofing materials, same-size windows, doors, siding, etc. If you are considering bringing a temporary building (on skids) larger than 100 ft² (e.g., seacan), you will need both a development permit and a building permit.

Processing Time: Building Permits may take many business days to process. Construction cannot start before obtaining a permit.

Submission Instructions: Please read the attached information and complete the required forms. Paper copies can be returned to the Town office, or electronic copies can be emailed to

mi**@sa*****.net











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Forms and Information:

• Residential Building Projects: PBI Requirements and Forms (includes renovations, decks, garages, and more)
• Commercial Building Projects: PBI Requirements and Forms
• Energy Codes Projects: PBI Requirements and Forms
• Building Permit Application: Building Permit Application Form
• Residential –Plan Review Checklist

For more information, visit the PBI Permit website.

Moving or Demolishing a Building

If you plan to move or demolish a building, you must apply for a Development Permit by completing and submitting the Application to Demolish or Move.

Moving a Building Within or Into Town:

1. Review the PBI Pre and Post-Move Inspections document.
2. Submit the Application to Demolish or Move Form.
3. For moving a building within Town limits, both development and building permits (including a post-move inspection) are required.
4. For moving a building into Town from outside our boundaries, you will need both development and building permits, as well as a pre-move inspection.

Fees

Application fees for Permitted and Discretionary Uses are outlined in the 2023-02 Building Bylaw.

Building Permit Fees Building permit fees vary based on project size and the number of required inspections. Fees are determined by PBI during the review of the Building Permit Application.