A building permit is required whenever you are planning on building, renovating, moving or demolishing a building or planning a change of use of or an addition to a new or existing building. (A building is considered to be any structure that contains a use or occupancy.)

Every building permit application must be completed to the satisfaction of the building inspector, be signed by the applicant and be accompanied by a complete set of building plans. Drawings must show the dimensions of the building, the proposed use of each room or floor area, specifications for the air exchange and ventilation system, the dimensions of the land on which the building is situated and the location of the building on the land.

In all cases, apply for your building permit as soon as possible.  On average, it takes ten days to process an application.  If approval is required through City Council or another department, it may take longer.

Building without a permit is against the law.

Until your building permit is issued, NO construction may begin. Construction that is started prior to the issuance of a permit will be subject to a minimum $250.00 surcharge and any other action that is deemed appropriate.

If you are planning home improvements, you will need to follow the requirements of local by-laws as well as the relevant provincial acts and regulations.  Remember that before any construction work begins, you must obtain a permit.

Real Property Report
The purchaser must submit a Real Property Report confirming the location of the foundation of the dwelling on the property within 75 days of the building permit being taken out. Attached garages are also to be shown on the Real Property Report.

Following receipt of an approved building permit and commencement of construction, the purchase must obtain inspections at various stages of construction.

National Building Code of Canada

The National Building Code of Canada is a federal act adopted by the Province of Saskatchewan through Corrections and administered by individual municipalities and cities. The Province of Saskatchewan has adopted three main Acts that work hand-in-hand with the National Building Code:

1. The Building and Accessibility Standards Administration Regulations define the licensing requirements that must be met to be a licensed building official.
2. The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Regulations set out the rules governing when a building must meet barrier-free (handicap) requirements.
3. The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act defines the powers and enforcement procedures followed by a building inspector.

It is important to note that in Saskatchewan, the owner of a property is responsible for ensuring that every building on their property meets the standards imposed by the National Building Code of Canada and local building codes.

Changes to the National Building Code to be in effect September 1, 2011 (delayed pending further notice)
The Building Standards Division of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing has announced that the 2010 edition of the National Building Code of Canada will be formally adopted and will go into effect on September 1, 2011. This edition of the Code brings into effect many changes and revisions related to the rules and regulations in force when building. In an effort to provide as much information as possible prior to the adoption of the new Code. This document outlines many of the changes in an attempt to provide as much information as possible prior to the adoption of the new Code.

 Related Links
Government of Saskatchewan Publications

• Preserved Wood Foundations (pdf)
• Building Standards
• Building Advisories