1. Business & Development
  2. Development Regulation
  3. Developers & Homebuilders
  4. Minor Variances

Minor Variances

A minor variance is a variation not exceeding 25% of the Zoning Bylaw 8770 requirements for:

  • the minimum required distance of a building from the site line; or, 
  • the minimum required distance of a building to any other building on the site.   

In addition, where a change in use to a permitted or discretionary use of an existing building is proposed in an Established Neighbourhood, a minor variance may be granted for a variation not exceeding 25% of the Zoning Bylaw 8770 requirements of:  

  • the minimum site area;
  • the minimum site width;
  • the minimum site depth;
  • regulations applicable to Parking and Loading Space requirements;
  • site coverage; or,
  • gross floor space ratio..

No minor variance shall be granted for a discretionary use, a discretionary form of development with a zoning agreement.

Applying for a Minor Variance:

When submitting a Minor Variance application, the following documents are required:

  1. Application Fee - The fee for a Minor Variance application is $275.
  2. Site Plan - The following documents may be required:
    • Site plan indicating the dimensions of any existing buildings and the proposed building including all dimensions and setbacks.
    • Real Property Report or Surveyor's Certificate.

Minor Variance Process

Planning and Development Review 

  1. Pre-application Discussion: Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with Development Review to identify any proposal specific details.  Staff can also provide information on the development standards, application process, and applicable fees.
  2. Submit Application - In order to apply a minor variance, please submit your application online using saskatoon.ca/epermitting. Please visit saskatoon.ca/business-development/building-development-construction for more information and quick user guides.
  3. Initial Review - On receipt of an application for minor variance, the Development Officer may:
    • Approve the minor variance; 
    • Approve the minor variance and impose terms and conditions on the approval; or
    • Refuse the minor variance.
  4. Notice to Adjacent Owners - Where an application for a minor variance is approved, the Development Officer shall provide written notice via registered mail to the applicant and to the assessed owners of property having a common boundary with the applicant's land that is the subject of the application.
  5. Waiting Period - The applicant and assessed owners of the adjacent properties will be notified in writing once a decision is rendered. The decision approving a minor variance, with or without terms and conditions, is not effective until 23 days from the date of the notice.
    • If all assessed owners who have received a notice provide the Development Officer with written support of the application, the decision approving the minor variance takes effect on the day it is made.
    • If an assessed owner of property having a common boundary with the applicant's land that is the subject of the application objects, in writing, to the Development Officer within the waiting period, the approval is deemed to be revoked and the Development Officer shall notify the applicant in writing.

Appeal Process

If an application for a minor variance is revoked, refused or approved with terms and conditions, the applicant may appeal to the Development Appeals Board within 30 days of the date of that notification.