Discretionary Use

All property in the City of Saskatoon is assigned a zoning designation. Within each zoning designation, uses can be permitted, prohibited, or discretionary. Prior to purchasing, developing, or using a property, you should contact Planning and Development to determine the appropriate Zoning Bylaw regulations.

If your proposal is a permitted use, you may apply directly to the department for any applicable building permits or licenses.

If your proposal is a discretionary use, you must obtain discretionary use approval before a development commences.

Definitions

“Standard” discretionary use applications are defined as any discretionary use which may be considered by the Development Officer (listed below) and the following:

• Day Cares and Preschools
• Boarding Houses
• Community Centres (R and M Districts) 
• Private Schools
• Converted Dwellings – Maximum 4 Dwelling Units
• Multiple-Unit Dwellings – Maximum 4 Dwelling Units
• Convents & Monasteries – Type I & II
• Hostel – Type I
• Special Needs Housing – Maximum 6 Dwelling Units
• Expansion of existing Residential Care Homes
• Live/Work Units – Maximum 4 Units
• Boarding and Breeding Kennels

“Highly Complex” discretionary use applications are defined as follows:

• Taverns and Nightclubs
• New Retail Stores over 5,000 m²
• Steel Mills, Blast Furnaces and Smelters, Chemical Manufacturing and Petroleum Refineries in IH Districts

All other applications are defined as "Complex" discretionary use applications.

Applying for Discretionary Use Approval

In order to apply for discretionary use approval, an applicant must:

1. Complete the  Discretionary Use Application form. 
2. Contact Development Review to discuss payment options.
3. Submit application and supporting materials to development.services@saskatoon.ca.
4. Notify neighbours around proposed development.

Discretionary Uses Considered by the Development Officer

Application Review

The application will be examined by the Community Services Department for conformance with the Official Community Plan Bylaw, the Zoning Bylaw, and any other applicable policies and regulations. The department may request comments from other civic departments and other government agencies where applicable.

The Community Services Department will give notice of the discretionary use application by mail to assessed owners of property within 75 metres of the subject site and to the local Community Association where the subject site is located.  Any comments regarding the application are to be in writing and submitted to the Community Services Department within 21 days from the date the notice was mailed.

On-site notification posters are provided to the applicant and must be placed on the site by the applicant and remain on the site until the application is considered by the Development Officer.

Decision of Development Officer

The Development Officer will consider the application along with any comments received and may approve the application, approve the application with conditions or reject the application. The applicant will be notified of the decision by mail.

The applicant may, within 30 days from the date the decision was issued, apply to Council to review and confirm, or alter the decision.

Development Permit

If approved and the applicant decides to proceed with the project, final plans shall be submitted to the Community Services Department and application made for a development permit and building permit.

Discretionary Uses Considered by City Council

Application Review

The application will be examined by the Community Services Department for conformance with the Official Community Plan Bylaw, the Zoning Bylaw, and any other applicable policies and regulations. The department may request comments from other civic departments and other government agencies where applicable. A report is prepared containing recommendations, concerns, or conditions of approval to be applied.

Municipal Planning Commission Review

The Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) receives the Community Services Department report.  MPC examines the proposal and recommends approval or denial to City Council in accordance with Section 54 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007.

Public Notice

If the applicant wishes to proceed, Community Services will give notice of the date, time, and place of the publication's hearing by ordinary mail to assessed property owners within 75 metres of the subject site and to the local Community Association where the subject site is located. Community Services prepares on-site notification posters which must be placed on the site by the applicant and must remain on the site until the application is considered by City Council.

Public Hearing

A public hearing, with input from all interested persons or groups is conducted by City Council.  They will consider the application together with the reports of the Community Services Department and the Municipal Planning Commission, and any written or verbal submissions received by City Council.  This is the opportunity for owners of adjacent property who are directly affected and have concerns to attend the hearing.

Decision of City Council

City Council may deny, approve or approve subject to conditions.  The City Clerk is responsible for notifying the applicant of Council's decision by ordinary mail.

Development Permit

If approved by City Council and the applicant decides to proceed with the project, final plans shall be submitted to the Community Services Department and application made for a development permit and building permit.