Curb, Sidewalk and Ditch Crossing Permits (Driveway Access Permits)
The Transportation Department controls the access from public and private properties onto city streets. All property owners who wish to install/modify vehicular access to their property/site from the city street must complete a Driveway Crossing Permit Application.
The Transportation Department uses the items outlined on pages 23 to 30 of the Curb, Sidewalk and Ditch Crossing Permit Information Package to review each application. Please carefully review the entire information package prior to submitting your application. Once all the necessary documents have been submitted, the reviewing process of the proposed crossing(s) may take up to five (5) business days*
* submitting an application without including all of the required documentation may result in increased processing times
After reviewing all of the above documents, please submit your application and detailed site plan to: DrivewayPermits@saskatoon.ca
Permit Fees
There is no fee for submitting applications. Once an application is reviewed and approved, the Driveway Crossing Permit Fee for the 2024 construction season is set at $575.00. Each permit consists of a review of the proposed crossing(s) site plan, as well as three (3) site visits for inspections.
**Important update for the 2025 construction season:
The cost of a permit will be increased to $775.00 for the 2025 construction season. This increase will help cover the costs of delivering the services provided. Additional inspections, beyond the standard three (3) that are included with the purchase of a permit, will be subject to an additional fee of $100.00 for each inspection/site visit. To read the City Council Meeting Minutes regarding permit increases, please click Here.
Additional Information
Transportation does not release driveway crossing permits for rolled curb and gutter areas within the City
- Streets containing areas with rolled curb and gutter (e.g., Christopher Road, Balfour Place or Stacey Crescent) will not be issued a driveway crossing permit
- Driveway permits are only valid within the construction season it is purchased/applied for (approximately May 15 to November 1 of each construction year)
- Permit fees do not cover the construction costs associated with any portion of the proposed driveway crossing; applicants must hire a private contractor to complete the construction
- Driveway construction or restoration can impact trees. A tree permit is required for work within six metres of a tree on City property that does not require a driveway crossing permit. See Saskatoon.ca/treepermits for more information.
- New driveways are not permitted within three metres of a tree on City property. City trees can be found on the Saskatoon Tree Map.
Montgomery Place Ditch Crossing
Montgomery Place is largely comprised of drainage ditches in order to manage the storm water during rainy days and snow melt. As such, when residents require private access to their lots, a “Ditch-Crossing permit” would be required. These crossings require a separate expertise and review process. Residents currently residing in the Montgomery Place Neighbourhood are advised to please visit our Ditch Crossings and Culvert Guidelines webpage by clicking here.
Inquiries regarding private access in areas with drainage ditches and culverts may be directed to the Storm Water group by calling (306)975-7611 or by emailing stormwater@saskatoon.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just take pictures of the work and go ahead with my pour?
No, our construction technologists specialize in construction practices and are required to inspect the location for irregularities and/or sub-par construction. The reason for the in-person inspection is to ensure that all requirements set forth by our standards and specifications are met prior to pouring concrete. For example, if a technologist suspects that the granular base is too shallow, they may need to dig into the base and check proper depth of base. A picture would only provide selective data, limiting the guarantee of the work meeting specifications
Do I need a Right-of-Way (ROW) permit to complete the construction of a driveway crossing?
If the construction of the crossing will take away public access to a roadway or sidewalk and is located along a local roadway, a Right-of-Way permit is required.
What happens when the City is replacing sidewalks in my area? Can I have them install my driveway crossing?
Fees are generally waived when the City of Saskatoon is completing an internal project, such as a lead line replacement program, which requires a considerable amount of sidewalk and/or curb and gutter replacement. To learn more about which projects are taking place, please visit:
https://www.saskatoon.ca/moving-around/driving-roadways/road-maintenance-repair/construction
Can I cut or smash my curb down to create an access to my property/site?
Saw-cutting/notching-out or damaging any curbing is unacceptable for the purposes of a site access. All alterations to any portion of the city infrastructure must be carried out under an agreement with the City of Saskatoon.
What does “local roadway” mean?
Local roadways are generally found in residential areas within the City limits and generally have the lowest speed limits and carry/service low volumes of traffic. To visually identify areas of local roadways, please review the City's roadway classification map with the link provided below:
What happens if a bus stop is in/near my closure?
Transit Services should be notified of any required closures in advance so routes can be adjusted if necessary. Transit Services can be reached by calling 306-975-3100 or emailing transit.services@saskatoon.ca
For more information, please visit their webpage at: https://transit.saskatoon.ca/customer-services/customer-service-centre
Will City trees be removed to allow for driveways?
No. As per the Council Policy - Trees on City Property, driveways cannot be constructed within three metres of a City tree.