Zoning Bylaw

Portable or Permanent Signs

A portable sign is described in the Zoning Bylaw as “a sign used for on-site or off-site advertising that is mounted on a trailer, stand or similar support structure which is designed in such a manner that the sign can readily be relocated to provide advertising at another location, and does not include signs painted directly on motor vehicles."

All portable signs located within Regina require a permit. You do not need a permit if you are renting or leasing a portable sign from a sign rental company as it is the company’s responsibility to obtain the permit.

To apply for a portable sign permit
Complete and submit your Portable Sign Permit Application to City Hall with your application fee. If approved, your portable sign permit is valid between July 1 to June 30 of the next year.

Other signs
A sign is described in the Zoning Bylaw as “any writing, number, image, picture, emblem, symbol, trademark, flag, banner, pennant, or other figure of similar character which is a structure, or is attached to, displayed on, or in any manner represented on a building or structure; is used as a visual medium to announce, direct attention to, inform, identify or advertise; and is intended to be visible from outside a building.”

A permit is required for any changes to a permanent sign. A permit is also needed if you alter the business name on the sign to a new one.

To apply for a sign permit
Read Chapter 11 to learn the regulations and standards for signs. If your proposed sign meets these requirements, complete and submit your Permanent Sign Permit Application to City Hall with your application fee.

Fees

Development Permit Applications determine if the use of land, building or other structures may be developed at a specific location. A permit will be issued authorizing a development according to the Zoning Bylaw.

When you are considering developing on a piece of property or changing the land use, contact us to determine the zoning of the property. If the use of your proposed development is considered discretionary, you must first apply for a discretionary use application and receive approval from City Council.

With the Development Permit Applications please also include:

• Site Plan
• Landscape Plan
• Floor Plans
• Elevations
• Consent letter from the Property Owner (if applicant is different from owner)

A development appeal is a request to the Development Appeals Board for a variation of certain zoning regulations within the Zoning Bylaw, as applied to a specific property.

The Development Appeals Board is made up of local citizens appointed by City Council.

An individual has the right to appeal to the Development Appeals Board where the Development Officer:

• Is alleged to have misapplied the Zoning Bylaw in issuing a development permit;
• Refuses to issue a development permit because it would contravene the Zoning Bylaw; or
• Issues an Order to Comply.

Please see Chapter 1 of the Zoning Bylaw for more detailed regulations on what can be appealed.

A minor variance is a variation of regulations, requirements and standards of the Zoning Bylaw. A list of the types of regulations that can be varied are located in Chapter 1 of the Zoning Bylaw.

The maximum amount of the minor variance cannot exceed 10% variation of the zoning bylaw requirements. Your development must still conform to the zoning bylaw with respect to the use of the land.

To apply
Read and submit the Minor Variance Application Form, and submit it to City Hall (2476 Victoria Avenue). You will also have to include site plans and the application fee with the form.

If you are successful
You will be notified by the City when your Minor Zoning Variance has been approved. Note: Being granted a zoning minor variance does not exempt you from meeting applicable building code and building bylaw requirements.

To appeal
You may appeal the refusal of a Minor Zoning Variance to the Development Appeals Board within 30 days of you being notified of this refusal. To appeal, read and complete a Development Appeal Application Form.

Your proposed secondary suite must meet strict building code and zoning bylaw regulations. The Secondary Suite regulations lists the requirements involving windows, fire protection, forced-entry protection, separation of dwelling units, soundproofing, smoke alarms, handrails, room heights, air duct system, furnaces, plumbing, exits and address naming conventions for your secondary suite. Under the Zoning Bylaw, secondary suites are allowed in most residential zones.

To Apply

1. Complete the Secondary Suite Permit Submission Package and ensure your application contains all required information and documents. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The project package may be updated at any time, be sure to check back to this web page for the most current project package.
2. A completed Residential Permit Fee Calculation Form is required as part of the application.
3. The application must be signed by the legal owner of the property as well as the applicant.
4. If applicable, contact SaskPower for inspections and permits for gas or electrical work.
5. Submit your application between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. weekdays at City Hall. The City will review your application to ensure it meets all building, heritage, zoning, landscaping, engineering, environmental, disposal, assessment, open space and utility regulations and/or bylaws.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email inviting you to pick up your permit and advising you of the permit fee. Your permit is not issued until you have paid the fee and picked it up.

Permit Fee

Construction cannot begin until the permit is issued. If work commences prior to issuing of a building permit, you will be subject to a surcharge.

Land use zones apply to all parcels of land in the city. Zoning determines the possible permitted and discretionary uses of the land parcel, as well as regulations about lot size, coverage, placement of buildings among others.

If you wish to develop or make an improvement to a parcel and it is not in agreement with the zoning, you can request an amendment to the Zoning Bylaw. The most common amendment request involves changes of land use designation or zoning changes.

An outline of the application process is included on the Zoning Bylaw Amendment Form.

• Land Use Class - a grouping of similar land uses.
• Frontage - distance between the two points where the side lot lines of a lot intersect the boundary of a public street.
• Setback - the distance between a front, rear, or side lot line (as applicable) and the closest wall or part of a building or structure.
• Mixed-Use Development - a lot that contains both residential and non-residential principal land uses.
• Coverage - the percentage of a lot which is covered by buildings or structures, excluding uncovered swimming pools, uncovered terraces, uncovered porches and decks.
• Easement - the right, as registered to a property title, to cross or otherwise use another person’s land, usually for a specified purpose.
• Permitted Use - a use of land, intensity of use, development or structure that an owner is entitled to as of right of a development permit provided the use or development conforms to the development standards and regulations of the Zoning Bylaw.
• Discretionary Use - a use of land, intensity of use, development or other structure that may be permitted in a zone only at the discretion of and at a location specified by the Development Officer or Council.
• Principal Use - the main or primary use and chief purpose of land or structure, as distinguished from a secondary or accessory use.