Planning and Development is proposing an amendment to the regulation regarding construction beneath yards. This term, as used in the Zoning Bylaw, refers to below-grade construction that extends beyond the required yard setbacks and may reach the property line of the site.

The current regulation allows for construction beneath yards for construction or development that is completely below grade. The Development Officer may require that the yard be unobstructed or undisturbed below grade to preserve existing vegetation, or to provide an adequate growing environment for proposed or required landscaping.

This regulation applies to all sites except for multiple-unit dwellings consisting of 5 or more units as permitted in the Transit Development area as per Section 5.3.19 of the Zoning Bylaw. The amendments proposed are to allow construction beneath the required side and rear yards of this type of development. Construction may only be permitted beneath the required front yard when an appropriate tree protection plan is provided and approved by Planning and Development and Urban Forestry.

The report that was considered by MPC on September 23, 2025 can be found here Zoning Bylaw Amendment Construction Beneath Yards

What area does this amendment apply to?

This amendment applies to the construction of multiple-unit dwellings with the Corridor Growth Area and Transit Development. Construction beneath yards is currently not permitted

What will the amendment allow?

The proposed amendment will allow for construction below grade in the required rear yard and interior side yard.

The proposed amendment may allow for construction below grade in the required front yard and side yard (when flanking a street) where a review is done by City of Saskatoon – Urban Forestry. Where existing City trees are adjacent to the property a tree mitigation strategy is required to be approved by Urban Forestry for construction below grade in the front and flanking side yard.

What is the involvement of Saskatoon and Region Homebuilders (SHRBA) ?

For specific instances where there is a disagreement between Urban Forestry and the developer, a representative from Saskatoon Region Home Builders Association will be asked to participate in those discussions. The purpose of including them in the discussions is to build capacity and understanding in the development industry on the intricacies of tree protection.

The SRHBA does not have decision-making power. City of Saskatoon Urban Forestry is responsible for approval or denial of a tree mitigation strategy.

What this the regulation in the rest of the City ?

Construction beneath yards may be permitted provided that a required yard, or any portion of a required yard be unobstructed or undisturbed below grade to preserve existing City Tree, or to provide an adequate growing environment for proposed or required landscaping.

 

How You Can Get Involved

You can provide your feedback, comments and questions regarding the proposed amendments by contacting the project team using the information below.

Email: zoningbylaw@saskatoon.ca 

Phone: (306) 975 - 7621

Mailing address:  City of Saskatoon, Attn: Paula Kotasek-Toth Planning & Development 222 3rd Ave North Saskatoon SK, S7K 0J5