The Building Division reviews plans and construction sites to ensure compliance with the minimum requirements of the National Building Code of Canada and its sister Acts. If you are planning on building, renovating, moving a building, demolishing a building or planning a change of use or addition to a new or existing building, the Building Division will be your primary contact.  We also administer other bylaws such as the Sign bylaw portion of the City of Prince Albert's Zoning Bylaw, the Building Bylaw and the Maintenance and Occupancy Bylaw.

The National Building Code of Canada is a federal act adopted by the Province of Saskatchewan through Corrections and administered by individual municipalities and cities.  The Province of Saskatchewan has adopted three main Acts that work hand-in-hand with the National Building Code:

1. The Building and Accessibility Standards Administration Regulations define the licensing requirements that must be met to be a licensed building official.
2. The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Regulations set out the rules governing when a building must meet barrier-free (handicap) requirements.
3. The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act defines the powers and enforcement procedures followed by a building inspector.

It is important to note that in Saskatchewan, the owner of a property is responsible for ensuring that every building on their property meets the standards imposed by the National Building Code of Canada and local building codes.

Building Permits
A building permit is required in order to build, renovate, move or demolish a building or wish to change the use of or build an addition to a new or existing building.

Borrowing Building Plans
The Building Division has plans for most buildings in the city. These plans may be borrowed by those companies who have been given prior approval.

Decks, Sheds and Fences
Guidelines for building decks, sheds and fences (pdf) provide diagrams for the proper placement of these structures on your property.

Demolition Permits
A demolition permit is required prior to demolishing a building.  If you are planning on moving a building onto a new site within the City limits (whether the building originates from within the city or another municipality), you will also require a Moving Permit from the Public Works Department.  To learn the cost of this permit, see Demolition Permit Fee on the Fee Schedule page.

Commercial/Industrial Construction
Almost all commercial- and industrial-use buildings will require an architect's or engineered set of stamped drawings for renovations, additions, new construction or a change in the use of the building.  It is very important that you receive approval from the Planning Department prior to the start of your project as not all types of businesses are allowed in all areas of the City.

if you are planning on changing the use of a building (for example, from a retail store to a welding shop), both a building permit and a development permit will be required.

Secondary Suites (Basement Suites)
If you are considering incorporating a secondary suite (rental space) into your single-family dwelling, there are rules and regulations, as mandated by both the National Building Code and our City Zoning Bylaw, which provide for a minium level of safety and comfort.

Building Division
Economic Development and Planning Department
City of Prince Albert
1084 Central Avenue
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7P3

Phone: (306) 953-4370
Fax: (306) 953-4380