What is the purpose of a building permit?

A building permit ensures safe buildings are being constructed.  Ensuring buildings meet The National Building Code (NBC), etc., which is a set of minimum design and construction standards.  The NBC addresses areas of life safety, fire protection, health, barrier-free accessibility and energy efficiency among others.

The responsibility of ensuring buildings are being built safely and according to The National Building Code is a shared responsibility.  The Construction Code Authority of Saskatchewan explains this as follows:

"The provincial government adopts codes and standards and administers legislative framework.  Municipalities are obligated to administer, regulate, and enforce provincial codes and standards which is achieved through local building bylaws.  Licensed Building Officials work on behalf of municipalities to fulfill this obligation.  Contractors, builders, designers, and material suppliers work with owners and on the behalf of owners to assure code compliance and deliver safe buildings.  But ultimately, building bylaw or not, building officials or not, building permits or not, the owner is responsible for compliance with codes and standards set out by the government.  Permit or not, building inspector or not, compliance is required."   

All municipalities in Saskatchewan have a legal obligation to administer and enforce building standards.  Building standards include The Construction Codes Act (CC Act), National Building Code of Canada, National Fire Code of Canada, and our municipal bylaws.

Who ensure these standards are being met?

Council members  who are elected and municipal staff cannot provide these services if they are not a licensed Building Official.  Building Officials are licensed by the province to provide specific services governed by the CC Act and Regulations.  The Town contracts Professional Building Inspections, Inc. (PBI) to perform the work of the Building Official.

When do I need a Building Permit?

Permits are required for:

• New building construction

• Structural changes to existing building components (including window & door replacement when the size changes)

• Change of USE or OCCUPANCY of an existing building

• Additions to existing buildings

• Accessory buildings (unless they are less than 10m2)

• Significant interior developments (including basement developments, kitchen remodeling, removing walls, converting space to a bedroom, adding a bathroom)

• Fireplaces, wood stoves and heaters

• Decks more than 12" above grade

• New roofs or canopies over existing decks

• Foundation repairs or replacements

• Solar panels that are roof mounts

• Retaining walls where the structure is part of a building or that are essential to a building structure

A building permit is NOT required for:

• Fences (although they must meet the zoning bylaw which has a maximum height of 6' in the a rear yard and 3' in a front yard)

• Driveways, sidewalks and parking lots

• Replacement of materials like shingles or siding, or cosmetic upgrades not affecting structural members or safety features

• Accessory buildings less than 10m2 (example: garden shed or tool shed); but maximum of one per lot

How do I apply for a Building Permit?

Step 1: Apply for a development permit (if required).  It may not be required if it is an interior renovation.  This ensures your project is a permitted use and meets all required set-backs, etc.  (see above for more information)

Step 2: Apply for a building permit.  What you will require to submit for documentation will depend on the type of project you are doing.  This link will take you to the required documents which will be needed to perform the plan review.  

Once you have completed these documents, they can be submitted to the Town Office by dropping them off or emailing them to info@carnduff.ca

Step 3:  Once the Town Office receives the documents they will be submitted to PBI for a Plan Review.  If, while completing the Plan Review, the Building Official has additional questions about the project, they will reach out the the applicant or contractor direct.  Once the Plan Review is complete and has been received by the Town Office, we will issue the building permit.

Step 4: Once you have received your approved building permit you are free to start your project.  There will be requirements in the Plan Review that will need to be adhered to. Typically building permits are valid for 2 years from date of application.

How much will a building permit cost me?

The cost for a building permit will vary dependent on your project.  The Town Office charges an administration fee of $1/$1000 project cost.  In addition to the administration fee is the cost for the building official which includes fees for inspections and travel cost.  These fees are invoiced to you once they are received by our office.