Building Standards

Building Bylaw #23-03

The R.M. of Arborfield No. 456 has a valid Building Bylaw, effective January 1 2024.
The purpose of the building bylaw is to provide for the administration and enforcement of The Construction Codes Act, The Building Code Regulations, the National Building Code for Canada (NBCC) for buildings, ministerial interpretations and Sask. Construction Standards Appeal Board orders and building official orders within the municipality.
The Construction Codes Act (CCA) came into force on January 1, 2022 and such, all municipalities in Saskatchewan have a mandated Building Bylaw as of January 1, 2024.
Under the new CCA, farm buildings are still exempt but residences are no longer considered a farm building and therefore these standards will apply to all new builds and major structural renovations that occur after January 1, 2022.

Saskatchewan Building Bylaw and Enforcement Guide, February 2025
Saskatchewan Construction Legislation and Regulations

building application forms and project guides

How to apply for a building permit?

In order to apply for a building permit, you will need to complete a building permit application.
Application forms are at the R.M. of Arborfield Office, and some of the information required includes:

Applicant name and address
What you are applying for with a detailed description of the use of the land/buildings and a description of proposed development
Legal land description
Estimated starting and completion dates
Site & building drawings, including dimensions and land features
Technical reports or studies that may be requested (depending on type and location of proposed development)

Types of Buildings that Require Permits:

Construction of new homes
Major renovations on existing homes (additions, basements, porches)
RTM or other residential buildings being moved onto a property
Commercial buildings

Exempt Buildings

Farm buildings used as follows:
- housing livestock, production, storage or processing of primary agricultural crops and feeds, storage and maintenance of equipment or machinery associated with an agricultural operation.
- a building application is recommended, but a permit is not required.
- farm buildings are no longer exempt if there will be any type of living/sleeping quarters

Costs for a building permit

There is no cost to apply for a building permit.
The building official inspection fees are based on different variables:

Value of Construction (total cost of the building to the owner in its completed form and includes the cost of all building work, materials, systems, labour and profit)
Square Footage
Intended Use of Building (commercial or residential)

Tips & Tricks

Know your plan before applying for a permit to keep costs to a minimum (less plan/inspection reviews = less fees)
Know your materials/estimated expenses (value of construction)
An assessment value of your building and/or improvement will eventually be included with your land taxes assessments. Having an accurate value will limit surprises upon a re-evaluation year from SAMA.
Allow a reasonable time-line; unscheduled inspections may cost an extra fee

Building Official Services Fee Schedule
Class 1: Single family dwellings, decks and residential garages

$1.05/$1,000 of determined construction value with a minimum plan review of $50.00
$157.50 + GST per required inspection as outlined on the plan review

Class 2: Other buildings covered under Part 9 of NBCC

$2.10/$1,000 of determined construction value with a minimum plan review fee of $75.00
$183.75 + GST per required inspection as outlined on the plan review

Class 3: Buildings that fall under Part 3 of the NBCC

$3.15/$1,000.00 of determined construction value with a minimum plan review fee of $100.00
$210.00 + GST per required inspection as outlined on the plan review

Understanding Responsibilities & Process

Building Owner is responsible for compliance
Municipality is responsible for administration and enforcement
Government is responsible for legislative framework and enforcement
Building Officials work for the municipality
Design Professionals (architects & engineers) provide services to the building owners

Applicant submits appropriate building permit application and 2 sets of plans to the municipality office.
The application is reviewed by administration and forwarded to the Building Inspector. This process can take up to 2 weeks.
Administration will be in contact with you to inform you that your permit is ready for pick-up. Conditions may be applied as per the Building Inspector's discretion.
Upon approval and issuance of a permit, one set of submitted plans will be returned to the applicant and Building Fees will be owed to the municipality.
Once project is completed, any extra building fees will be owed and any credits will be refunded.