Regina Floodplain Bylaws for Property Owners
Regina, Saskatchewan property owners on or near Wascana Creek and other flood-prone areas must follow municipal and provincial floodplain rules when building or renovating. This article explains how the City of Regina and provincial mapping affect development, which permits you may need, and practical steps to reduce flood risk while remaining compliant with local bylaws and building rules.
Regulations & Floodplain Mapping
The primary municipal controls for development in flood-prone areas are set out in Regina's zoning and development rules, including the consolidated Zoning Bylaw No. 9250 and related planning policies. See the City zoning rules for development standards and restrictions Zoning Bylaw No. 9250[1]. Flood hazard mapping used to define regulated floodplain and floodway limits is published by the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency; projects in mapped areas require special review Flood Hazard Maps[2].
Requirements for Building in the Floodplain
Typical municipal controls require one or more of the following design or administrative steps for buildings in a designated floodplain:
- Elevate finished floors above the identified flood level or follow provincial elevation guidance.
- Obtain a development permit and a building permit before construction; some works may need a variance or site-specific review.
- Use floodproofing measures for utilities and mechanical systems to reduce damage risk.
- Submit site plans, flood-risk assessments or engineered drawings when requested by Planning or Building staff.
- Maintain adequate insurance and records of compliance for future transfers or claims.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of floodplain-building rules is handled by City of Regina enforcement and planning authorities working under the applicable bylaws and building regulations. Specific monetary penalties, daily fines, escalation schedules, and exact fee amounts are not specified on the cited municipal pages and planning guidance; where a precise figure or section is not listed on the official page, it is noted below as not specified on the cited page Zoning Bylaw No. 9250[1].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary orders: the City may issue stop-work orders, compliance orders, or require removal/restoration under municipal powers; see the municipal bylaw references Zoning Bylaw No. 9250[1].
- Enforcer and inspection: Planning & Development Services and Bylaw Enforcement administer reviews, inspections, and complaints; contact details are available through City pages.
- Appeals and review: formal appeals or variance processes are subject to municipal procedures; specific statutory time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The primary form for construction is the Building Permit Application available from the City of Regina Building Permits service; the application process, submission method and any applicable fees are listed on the City building permits page Building Permits[3]. Where the official page omits a specific fee or deadline, that item is noted as not specified on the cited page.
- Form name: Building Permit Application; purpose: permit new construction, renovations or additions in regulated areas.
- Fees: not specified on the cited page; check the Building Permits page for current fee schedules.
- Submission: online portal or in-person at City offices as directed on the official page.
FAQ
- Can I build a new house on a property in Regina's mapped floodplain?
- You can apply, but development is subject to Zoning Bylaw restrictions, flood mapping review and likely building permit conditions; consult Zoning Bylaw No. 9250 and flood maps before planning.
- Who enforces floodplain rules in Regina?
- Enforcement is by City of Regina Planning & Development Services and Bylaw Enforcement under municipal bylaws; use the City contacts for complaints.
- Are there mandatory elevation standards I must follow?
- Specific elevation or design standards depend on mapping and project scope; the municipal and provincial pages outline requirements but specific numeric elevations may be provided in project-specific guidance or provincial flood maps.
How-To
- Confirm whether your property lies in a mapped floodplain using provincial and City mapping.
- Consult the Zoning Bylaw and contact City Planning to determine whether a development permit or variance is required.
- Prepare required documents: site plan, flood-risk assessment, and engineered drawings if requested.
- Submit a Building Permit Application via the City portal and pay any required fees.
- Follow permit conditions during construction, schedule inspections, and retain records of compliance.
- If you receive an enforcement notice, seek the City review or appeal process promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Check flood mapping early to avoid costly rework.
- Obtain permits and submit required technical documents before starting work.
- Noncompliance can lead to orders or enforcement actions; monetary fines are not specified on the cited pages.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Regina - Bylaw Enforcement
- City of Regina - Planning & Development Services
- Saskatchewan Water Security Agency - Flood Maps
- City of Regina - Building Permits