As part of the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review Project (Zoning Bylaw Project), the City is reviewing regulations for the development of new one- and two-unit and semi-detached homes in Saskatoon’s established neighbourhoods. We are reviewing regulations put in place in 2015 to evaluate the effect they have had and make amendments as necessary.

What are the established neighbourhoods?

The established neighbourhoods include all neighbourhoods within Circle Drive, as well as Sutherland, Forest Grove, and Montgomery Place. You can find the full map on the Background Tab on this page.

What will be included in the review?

We are reviewing a number of regulations for the construction of new homes and major renovations. These include:

• Established neighbourhoods fall into two categories, based on their existing character. We are reviewing which neighbourhoods are included as established neighbourhoods, and what category each of the neighbourhoods should fall into.
• The rules that we use to regulate massing (size and shape) of new homes.
• How far back should new homes be from the front property line and how this compares to the existing historic homes
• The rules for porches for new homes closer to the front property line including allowing for  closed verandas and 3-season rooms closer to the street.
• How high should the front door of new houses be allowed to be from the ground.
• In post-war neighbourhoods, how wide new properties should be as compared to the existing properties on the block.

Further information is available in the ‘Related Documents’ to the right of this page.

How Can You Get Involved?

Please continue to visit this page for future public engagement opportunities or reach out to the project team through the Contact Us tab above.

Neighbourhood Level Infill Development occurs when the existing housing stock is replaced, secondary suites are built, or subdivision occurs and new additional dwellings are constructed. 

Currently, the Zoning Bylaw contains regulations specific to Neighbourhood Level Infill Development. These regulations apply to one- and two-unit, as well as semi-detached houses (primary dwellings) in Established Neighbourhoods. Established Neighbourhoods are defined in the Zoning Bylaw and are those neighbourhoods located within Circle Drive, as well as Sutherland, Forest Grove and Montgomery Place. The infill regulations for primary dwellings in Established Neighbourhoods, set out in the Zoning Bylaw, 2009 (Zoning Bylaw), were adopted by City Council on March 23, 2015. Regulations are based on recommendations contained in the Neighbourhood Infill Development Strategy, which outlined best practices, design guidelines, design flexibility and ways to minimize the impact of new dwellings on neighbouring residents.

Regulations, in particular those that regulate height and massing, ensure new infill development does not detract from the character of the neighbourhood and balances demand for contemporary housing with the existing built form. A review of these infill regulations was completed in 2017 which included consultation with the development industry. No changes were proposed at that time; however, designers did indicate that infill dwellings are more challenging to design under the regulations introduced in 2015.
 

What are the established neighbourhoods? 

CATEGORY 1 AND CATEGORY 2 NEIGHBOURHOODS 

In recognition of the significant difference in housing patterns, two categories of zoning standards are in effect. Category 1 generally refers to pre-war neighbourhoods and Category 2 reflects standards for post-war neighbourhoods. Certain regulations apply to Category 1 Neighbourhoods. 

Category 1 Neighbourhoods (in blue): King George, Pleasant Hill, Riversdale, Westmount, Caswell Hill, Nutana, Buena Vista, Haultain, Varsity View, City Park, North Park and Exhibition. 

Category 2 Neighbourhoods (in pink): Hudson Bay, Mayfair, Kelsey-Woodlawn, Richmond Heights, Sutherland, Forest Grove, Greystone Heights, Grosvenor, Brevoort Park, Nutana S.C., Eastview, Nutana Park, Adelaide/Churchill, Queen Elizabeth, Avalon, Holiday Park,Montgomery Place, Mount Royal and Meadowgreen.

Note: You can click on the map below for a "zoomed in" version that focuses on the Category 1 and 2 neighbourhoods.