Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit Guide - Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan homeowners who want to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) must follow both the city zoning rules and provincial building standards. This guide explains how ADUs are treated under Regina planning and building processes, what permissions you typically need, who enforces the rules, and practical steps to apply, pay fees, schedule inspections and appeal decisions. It is written for homeowners preparing a legal, safe secondary dwelling on their property and points to official City of Regina sources for bylaws, permit applications and contacts.
What is an ADU in Regina
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary self-contained dwelling on the same lot as a primary house. ADUs in Regina may be called secondary suites, garden suites or accessory suites and are regulated by the City of Regina zoning bylaw and building permit requirements. Where zoning allows an ADU, a building permit is usually required and the unit must meet the provincial Building Code and local property standards. For specific zoning rules see the City of Regina zoning page Regina Zoning Bylaw[1].
Application overview
Typical steps to obtain permission for an ADU are review of zoning, submission of a building permit application with plans, fees, and proof of compliance with utilities and life-safety requirements, followed by inspections. If a variance is required because the ADU does not meet a zoning standard (setbacks, parking, lot coverage), a development or zoning variance application may be necessary.
- Check zoning and permitted accessory uses on the Regina zoning page Regina Zoning Bylaw[1].
- Prepare construction drawings and a site plan for the building permit application.
- Confirm permit and inspection fees with Building Standards and include payment with application.
- Submit the building permit application and required documents online or to the Building Standards counter as directed on the City’s permits page Building permits and inspections[2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of ADU-related rules is handled by City of Regina departments responsible for planning, building inspections and bylaw enforcement. The zoning bylaw and building permit processes are the primary legal controls. Specific monetary fines and escalation schedules are not detailed on the cited City of Regina pages; see the referenced official sources for enforcement contacts and instruments.[1]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: information about first, repeat or continuing offence penalties is not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, orders to remove or remediate an illegal unit, and court actions may be used by the city.
- Enforcer: Planning & Development and Building Standards departments; bylaw complaints routed through Bylaw Enforcement.
- Inspection & complaint pathways: submit permit inquiries, complaint forms or request inspections via the City of Regina Building Permits and Bylaw Enforcement contacts.
- Appeals & review: appeals of development or permit decisions typically follow the city appeal or development review process; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences/discretion: available defences or discretionary approvals include approved variances, building code compliance, and retroactive permit processes where the city allows them.
Applications & Forms
The City of Regina provides building permit application instructions and forms through its permits and inspections portal. The official Building Permit application and checklist, fee schedules and online submission instructions are available on the City permits page. Building permits and inspections[2] If a development variance is required, submit the applicable development application as directed by Planning & Development. Specific form names, numbers and fee amounts are available on the City pages or at the Building Standards counter.
How inspections and approvals work
After permit issuance, scheduled inspections verify compliance with the Building Code, fire safety, plumbing and electrical standards. Final occupancy is not granted until all required inspections pass and any outstanding orders are cleared.
- Typical inspections: foundation, framing, mechanical/plumbing, electrical, final.
- Recordkeeping: retain approved drawings, permit documents and inspection reports.
- Scheduling: request inspections via the city permits portal or the Building Standards contact line.
FAQ
- Do I always need a building permit for an ADU?
- Yes; a building permit is typically required to create an ADU to ensure compliance with the provincial Building Code and local standards.
- Can I rent an ADU immediately after construction?
- No; you must obtain final inspection clearance and any required occupancy approval before renting.
- What if my lot does not meet zoning requirements?
- You may need a development variance application through Planning & Development; approval is discretionary.
- Who do I contact for bylaw complaints about illegal suites?
- Contact City of Regina Bylaw Enforcement through the official City website to report unpermitted units.
How-To
- Confirm your property zoning and whether ADUs are permitted.
- Prepare and submit a complete building permit application with plans and fee payment.
- Obtain any required variances or development approvals before construction begins.
- Complete construction to the approved drawings and code standards.
- Request and pass required inspections and obtain final occupancy approval.
- Pay any outstanding fees and retain permit documentation for future sale or compliance checks.
Key Takeaways
- Check Regina zoning first to confirm ADUs are allowed on your lot.
- Submit a full building permit application and follow inspection schedules.
- Operating an unpermitted ADU can result in orders and enforcement action.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Regina Planning & Development
- Building permits and inspections
- Bylaw Enforcement
- City of Regina contact and office information