Building Permits

If you are like most homeowners, you may not be familiar with building permits or even aware that you might need one for your renovation project. Here are some of the ins and outs of building permits.

Who is responsible for obtaining a Building Permit?
The assessed owner of the property is responsible for obtaining the proper approvals and obtaining a Building Permit.  In many cases the owner will have the contractor or supervisor obtain the Building Permit on their behalf, but ultimately the assessed owner is responsible for what happens on his or her property.  Building Bylaw - 2003-7

When do I need a Building Permit?
Building Permits are required for:

  • New structures and additions to existing structures
  • Garages, Decks, Swimming pools (in ground & above ground)
  • Structural repairs
  • Demolitions
  • Moving a structure from one site to another (garages, houses)
  • Basement developments & fireplaces
  • Basement Suites & Secondary Suites
  • Foundation replacement or repair (Channel Bracing)
  • New plumbing

Other construction which requires a Building Permit:
Applying spray foam insulation.  Spray foam insulation requires a certified installer.  The spray foam must be covered with an approved wall or ceiling covering.  (National Building Code 2005)

Spray foam companies and their product have been pre-approved by the City of Regina Building Standards Branch.  The approved companies have submitted Engineered Designs for their applications.  When using spray foam insultation, the installer will supply you with the package of drawings & Engineers letter and check list.

Excavating and sealing the exterior of a foundation.  It has been our experience that once the foundation has been excavated, the foundation itself requires repair.  Any foundation repair or replacement requires a structural Engineers report and/or design to repair it.

Foundations for solariums must be designed and stamped by an Engineer.  If the solarium is not Wood Framed construction it also must have an Engineer Seal on it.  (Saskatchewan Engineer).

Building Permits are required prior to construction.  The Building Permit should reflect all the work to be done.  Presently it can be up to four to six weeks to process the Building Permit and longer if all the proper information is not submitted for review.

Building Permits are not required for:

  • Fencing, sidewalks, planters and driveways
  • Painting, decorating and laying carpet
  • Cabinet work
  • Non-structured repairs and maintenance
  • Accessory Buildings under 10m2 (107ft2) however, these must comply with zoning regulations.

Where do I obtain a Building Permit?
Building Permits can be obtained on the 9th Floor of City Hall.  To obtain a Building Permit you must submit two complete sets, (in metric) of the working drawings, along with the Building Permit application.  All foundation plans (except detached accessory buildings) are required to be stamped by an Engineer or Architect.

Why do I need a Building Permit?
Building Permits are required by the Building Bylaw 2003-7.  Building Permits protect the home owner.  They ensure that all construction meets the appropriate Bylaws & Building Codes.  Building Permits also protect the contractor.  The Building Department reviews the drawings submitted for compliance with the appropriate Bylaws and Codes.  The Building inspector is a second set of eyes to ensure that the construction is done according to the approved drawings.

What are the Building Permit Fees?
Building Permit Fees are based on the valuation of the work being done.

2010 Permit Fees
For construction $0.00 - $10,000.00 - Minimum Permit Fee = $100.00

For construction $10,001.00 - $40,000.00 = $100.00 + $7.00 per $1,000.00 Value over $10,000.00

For construction $40,001.00 to $78,000.00 = $310.00 + $5.00 per $1,000.00 Value over $40,000.00

For construction $78,001.00 - $100,000.00 = $500.00 Flat Fee

Over $100,000.00 = $5.00 per $1,000.00 Value

What happens if I don't get a Building Permit?
If you carry out a renovation project that requires a Building Permit without having one, your municipality can issue a "stop work" order, which remains in effect until you obtain a permit.  If the work doesn't meet the requirements of the Building Code, you may well have to redo it at your own cost.  In worst case scenarios, you could be forced to "un-renovate" your home, such as removing an addition.  This could happen if you violate setback regulations for instance.

Source: City of Regina Building Permits