City to Permit Six Storey Wood Frame Construction in Early 2016

The City of Saskatoon Building Standards will begin permitting six storey wood frame construction in early 2016 when the 2015 National Building Code of Canada (NBC) is formally printed.  The building code currently limits wood frame construction to a maximum of four storeys. 

“There is a growing interest from our customers to build six storey wood frame structures,” says Kara Fagnou, Building Standards Director.  “Six storey wood frame construction consists of mid-rise commercial and, or residential buildings made out of wood instead of traditional steel or concrete materials.”

Six storey wood frame construction will be accepted in Saskatoon through the Building Standards Alternative Solution Process - supported by the 2015 NBC framework - in advance of anticipated adoption by the Province of Saskatchewan in mid-2017.

“This change provides a new opportunity to create beneficial, cost-effective mid-rise options between the current low-rise and high-rise development,” says Fagnou.  “Other jurisdictions have reported cost savings of $30 to $40 per square foot, or up to 20%, when compared to a similar building built with steel and concrete.”

Safety of the wood buildings is of primary importance, and applicants will be required to adhere to the upcoming 2015 National Fire Code, which has been amended to provide a prescription to reduce risk.

“Building Standards will work closely with the Saskatoon Fire Department and our municipal partners that have already implemented six storey wood buildings, to learn best practices to be accepted in Saskatoon,” she says.

This initiative will also support the goals of our Growth Plan to a Half Million, increasing urban density through the use of mid-rise commercial and, or residential buildings in key areas such as downtown, north downtown, University of Saskatchewan lands, and along the 22nd Street, Idylwyld Drive, 8th Street, College Drive, and Preston Avenue corridors.

For more information on the NBC or six storey wood frame construction, visit www.saskatoon.ca/buildingpermits.

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