Site Plan for Permit in Saskatoon, SK

Residential site plan for a building permit in Saskatoon Saskatchewan — Example of a residential site plan showing property boundaries, existing buildings, proposed construction and setback dimensions.

Planning a garage, shed, deck, home addition or another residential project in Saskatoon? Your building permit application may require a site plan showing where the proposed construction will be located on the property.

A site plan gives City reviewers a clear overhead view of the lot. It can show the house, property lines, existing buildings, proposed work, driveway access, City trees and distances to the property boundaries. This helps the City review whether the project complies with Saskatoon’s zoning rules, building requirements and other applicable regulations.

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What Is a Site Plan?

A site plan is a scaled drawing of a property as viewed from above. It explains how the existing buildings, proposed construction and outdoor features are arranged within the property boundaries.

A residential site plan may show:

Property lines and lot dimensions
The location and size of the existing house
Attached and detached garages
Existing sheds, decks and accessory buildings
The footprint and dimensions of the proposed project
Distances from the proposed construction to the property lines
Distances between the proposed work and other buildings
Driveways, curb crossings and walkways
City trees near the proposed work
Known easements or utility areas
A north arrow and drawing scale

The City of Saskatoon requires residential permit drawings to be prepared to professional drafting standards. Plans must be drawn to scale and include dimensions. The City states that pencil drawings, graph-paper drawings and plans marked “preliminary only” or “not for construction” will not be accepted.^[1]

When Is a Building Permit Required in Saskatoon?

A building permit is required for many projects that create, enlarge or structurally alter a building or structure.

The City lists common permit projects such as:^[2]

New houses and residential buildings
Detached garages
Garage and garden suites
Decks that meet the City’s permit criteria
Accessory buildings larger than 10 square metres
Home additions
Structural repairs or alterations
Secondary suites and basement developments
Swimming pools, hot tubs and above-ground pools
Moving or demolishing certain buildings
Changes in the occupancy or use of a building

An accessory building smaller than 10 square metres may not require a building permit when that is the entire scope of the project. It must still comply with Saskatoon zoning regulations.^[2]

Important: Not requiring a building permit does not mean a structure can be placed anywhere on the property. Setbacks, height limits, lot coverage and other zoning requirements may still apply.

What Should a Saskatoon Site Plan Show?

The exact requirements depend on the project, but the City’s residential project guides repeatedly request the following information:

Property information

Municipal address
Property-line dimensions
Lot dimensions
Drawing scale
North arrow

Existing buildings and features

Existing house footprint
Attached or detached garage
Sheds, decks and accessory buildings
Driveways and curb crossings
City tree locations
Other relevant structures

Proposed construction

Proposed building or structure location
Overall length and width
Distance to the front property line
Distance to the rear property line
Distance to both side property lines
Distance to the house and accessory buildings
Stairs, landings or roof projections when relevant

The City’s guides for additions, garages and accessory buildings specifically call for site plans showing lot and building dimensions, City tree locations, curb crossings and distances to property lines.^[3] ^[4]

Site Plans for Home Additions

A home addition changes the footprint and exterior layout of the property, so a detailed site plan is normally an important part of the application.

For new home construction and additions, the City requires drawings to be prepared to scale with dimensions. The site plan should show:^[3]

Lot dimensions
Existing building dimensions
Dimensions of the proposed addition
Distances from the addition to the property lines
City tree locations
Curb crossings and driveway access

The site plan is only one part of an addition application. The City may also require:

Floor plans
Foundation and structural drawings
Exterior elevations
Building cross-sections
Stair and wall details
Energy-efficiency information

Buildings constructed before 1990 may also require an asbestos-removal notification form when the work could disturb or remove asbestos-containing materials.^[3]

Site Plans for Detached Garages and Accessory Buildings

A detached garage or accessory-building application should clearly show how the proposed structure fits within the lot.

The City’s garage guidance states that a complete application includes a site plan showing:^[4]

Lot dimensions
The proposed garage or accessory-building dimensions
All other buildings on the property
Distances from the proposed structure to the property lines
City tree locations
Curb crossings

Applicants may also need to provide a drawing showing:

Truss or rafter direction
Door locations and sizes
Window locations and sizes
A cross-section showing the structure’s height above the ground

A building permit is generally required for an accessory building larger than 10 square metres, or approximately 107 square feet. Smaller accessory buildings must still meet the zoning requirements that apply to the property.^[2]

Site Plans for Deck Permits

A deck site plan should show the proposed deck and its relationship to the house, lot boundaries and accessory buildings.

The City’s deck application guidance requests:^[5]

The location and dimensions of the proposed deck
Distances from the deck to the property lines
Distances to accessory buildings
The location of piles, beams and columns
Any structural changes to the house caused by the deck

The City’s current deck page lists several permit triggers, including decks higher than 200 millimetres above the ground, certain decks larger than 2.32 square metres and more than 600 millimetres above ground, and any deck with more than three risers.^[5]

Because deck size, height, stairs and attachment conditions can affect the requirements, homeowners should review the current City deck guide or contact Building Standards before beginning construction.

Check the Property’s Zoning Before Designing the Project

Every Saskatoon property is assigned a zoning district. The zoning district determines what may be built and establishes development standards for the property.

Zoning rules may regulate:^[6]

Permitted property uses
Front-yard setbacks
Rear-yard setbacks
Side-yard setbacks
Building and accessory-building height
Lot coverage
Parking requirements
Driveway and curb-crossing locations
Landscaping requirements

Saskatoon’s Zoning Bylaw 2024, Bylaw No. 9990, has been in effect since January 3, 2025. The City provides an interactive zoning map that displays the zoning designation, address and legal parcel information for individual properties.^[6]

Do not assume that the requirements for a nearby property will be identical. Different zoning districts, lot layouts, easements and previous approvals can lead to different development rules.

Site Plan Versus Real Property Report

A permit site plan and a Real Property Report are related, but they are not the same document.

A site plan is prepared to illustrate the existing property layout and proposed construction for a permit or planning review.

A Real Property Report or Surveyor’s Certificate is prepared by a qualified land surveyor and can confirm legal boundaries and the surveyed location of buildings and improvements.

The City states that when confirmation of setbacks is requested for a Zoning Bylaw Compliance Certificate, a Real Property Report or Surveyor’s Certificate is required.^[6]

Siteplans.ca prepares drafting plans using the information supplied by the property owner. We do not survey, locate or legally certify property boundaries.

City Trees Can Affect the Project

Saskatoon’s site-plan requirements often include the locations of nearby City trees. This matters because construction activity can damage tree trunks, roots and surrounding soil.

The City states that a Tree Permit is required for construction, major landscaping or demolition work within six metres of a City tree. This can include placing heavy equipment or construction materials near a City tree, unless they are located on a paved driveway, road or pathway.^[7]

If there is a City tree near the proposed garage, addition, deck or driveway, show it on the site plan and check the tree-protection requirements before beginning work.

Driveways and Curb Crossings

The City’s site-plan checklists for homes, additions and accessory buildings request curb-crossing information.

A site plan may therefore need to show:

The existing driveway
Driveway width
The curb-crossing location
Distance from the driveway to the property lines
A proposed new or widened driveway
The relationship between driveway access and the proposed garage

Changing public curbs, sidewalks or ditch crossings may require a separate curb, sidewalk or ditch-crossing permit, even when the private driveway work itself does not require a building permit.^[2]

Can You Get Previous Plans From the City?

Existing plans can be very useful when preparing a new site plan. They may show the original house footprint, garage, property layout or construction details.

The City allows property owners to request approved building-plan drawings. Requests can be made with proof of ownership or a completed consent-to-disclose form. The City states that most requests are completed within one to three business days, although available records will depend on what is contained in the property file.^[8]

The City also offers a Property Information Disclosure report that may provide information about:

Building and plumbing permit history
Permit deficiencies
Heritage and zoning designations
Outstanding fire orders
Landscaping or parking requirements
Additional zoning conditions

How to Submit a Saskatoon Permit Application

Residential building permit applications can be submitted through the City of Saskatoon’s ePermitting system.

Through ePermitting, applicants can:^[9]

Apply for building permits
Upload drawings and supporting documents
Track the application’s progress
Pay permit fees
Review permit activity
Request inspections

A typical application process includes:

Confirm whether the project requires a permit.
Find the property’s zoning designation.
Review the City project guide that applies to the work.
Obtain an existing survey or property plan, when available.
Prepare the site plan and other construction drawings.
Submit the application through ePermitting.
Respond to requests for corrections or additional information.
Pay the required permit fees.
Receive the permit before beginning regulated construction.

Common Reasons a Site Plan May Need Revisions

A site plan may be returned when important information is missing, inconsistent or difficult to read.

Common problems include:

Property-line dimensions are missing
The proposed structure is not clearly labelled
Setback dimensions are missing
Distances are measured from the wrong part of the structure
The site plan does not match the construction drawings
Existing and proposed structures are difficult to distinguish
City trees are not shown
Curb crossings or driveway access are omitted
Stairs, landings or roof projections are not shown
The drawing is not to scale
The plan is submitted as a rough pencil or graph-paper sketch
The proposed location does not comply with zoning

A clear, properly dimensioned site plan makes it easier for the reviewer to understand the proposal and identify how it fits within the property.

What We Need to Prepare Your Saskatoon Site Plan

You can usually order your plan online without arranging a site visit. Helpful information includes:

The Saskatoon property address
An existing Real Property Report, survey or site plan
Lot dimensions
Measurements of the existing house
Locations and dimensions of existing accessory buildings
Dimensions of the proposed project
Distances from the project to the property lines
Driveway and curb-crossing measurements
Photos of the property
A sketch showing where the proposed work will be located
Information about nearby City trees
Permit comments or checklists supplied by the City

The more reliable information you provide, the more accurately the existing and proposed property conditions can be shown.

Order a Saskatoon Site Plan Online

Send us your available property documents, measurements, photographs and proposed project details. We will prepare a clear site plan showing the relevant existing buildings, proposed construction and setback dimensions based on the information supplied.

Start Your Site Plan Order

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a site plan for a building permit in Saskatoon?

A site plan is commonly required for exterior projects such as additions, detached garages, accessory buildings and decks. The required drawings depend on the type of project and the property’s zoning.

Does a detached garage require a permit?

Yes. A building permit is generally required for a new detached garage. The application normally includes a site plan, garage drawings and supporting construction information.^[2] ^[4]

Does a shed require a permit?

An accessory building larger than 10 square metres generally requires a building permit. A smaller accessory building may not require a permit, but it must still comply with zoning regulations.^[2]

Does a deck require a permit?

Permit requirements depend on the deck’s height, size and number of risers. The City’s current deck guide should be reviewed before construction begins.^[5]

Does the plan need to be professionally drafted?

The City requires permit drawings to meet professional drafting standards, be drawn to scale and include dimensions. Pencil or graph-paper drawings are not accepted.^[1]

Can Siteplans.ca prepare a Real Property Report?

No. We prepare site plan drawings using customer-supplied property information. A Real Property Report or Surveyor’s Certificate must be prepared by a qualified land surveyor.

Can the site plan be prepared without a site visit?

In many cases, yes. The plan can be prepared online when sufficient surveys, measurements, photographs and project information are available.

Where do I submit a Saskatoon building permit application?

Applications can be submitted through the City of Saskatoon’s ePermitting system.^[9]

This article provides general information and does not replace property-specific guidance or approval from the City of Saskatoon. Permit, zoning and drawing requirements can change and may vary by property and project. Siteplans.ca does not establish legal property boundaries, provide land surveys or guarantee municipal approval.