TOPICS:
- PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
- PROPERTY TAXES/ASSESSMENT
- TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
- WEED CONTROL
- PEST CONTROL
Planning and Development
Development/Building Permits
What is the difference between a Development Permit and a Building Permit?
A Development Permit acknowledges the use of land and buildings and its compliance with the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. An approved Development Permit is required in almost all instances in order to construct, erect, place, alter, repair, renovate or reconstruct a building/structure on your property. If you begin development without the required approvals, the R.M. has the ability under the Zoning Bylaw to issue an Order of Compliance, or other means of enforcement.
A Building Permit is separate from a Development Permit. A Building Permit refers to building construction and compliance with the National Building Code of Canada and Uniform Building & Accessibility Standards. Almost every application for a Development Permit also requires the submission of a Building Permit.
Please contact the R.M. Administration Office to determine whether or not your proposed project needs a Development Permit, a Building Permit, or both.
Does all development in the R.M. of Biggar need a Development Permit?
No. A limited number of types of development do not require a Development Permit. However, more often than not you will need a Development Permit.
How long does a Development Permit take to be approved?
Generally, for a Permitted Use where new construction is not being proposed, a Development Permit maybe issued within ten (10) business days of receiving a complete application. Where new construction is being proposed, the process to obtain a Building Permit is also required.
Generally, for a Discretionary Use, once the required time for receiving responses to the written notifications has elapsed and time is provided to address any concerns raised by ratepayers, the application is presented to R.M. Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Under normal conditions, the recommendation can be presented within 45-60 days of receiving a completed application.
How do I apply for a Building Permit?
Submit the completed Building Permit application form, along with any necessary building information such as building plans or design worksheets, to the R.M. Administration Office. The R.M. Administration Office will forward your application to BuildTECH Ltd. on behalf of the applicant.
How much does a Building Permit cost?
The application fee is $25 for residential construction and $100.00 for commercial construction and payable at the time you submit your application.
The Building Permit fee for residential, commercial or industrial permits is $5.00 per $1,000 of construction value. For example a structure with a value of construction of $250,000 will result in permit fees of $1,250.00 [($250,000 / $1,000) x $5.00]. Council may waive this fee and opt to charge the costs of the inspection fees.
How long does a Building Permit take to be approved?
Allow 4 – 6 weeks for an application to be processed. A Building Permit typically takes 3 - 4 weeks. However, if additional information is required or at times of high application volumes, an application review may take 4-6 weeks to process. Please ensure you are providing yourself ample time prior to when construction to obtain approval.
How long is a Building Permit valid for? Does a Building Permit ever expire?
A Building Permit is typically valid for the applicant to begin construction within 1 year from the date the permit is issued. The R.M. Administration Office can extend the deadline for the start of your project past 1 year if requested at the time of application. For example, if you get your permit over the winter months we can extend the start date for construction for additional months during the year when construction can occur.
An extension can also be granted during the 1 year time period if you require more time. For example, if due to financial concerns you have delayed construction, but now are in a position to start and need more time, the R.M. Administration Office can grant an extension.
An extension may be applied for with a signed, written request to the R.M. from the landowner.
Building permits are valid for the duration of the building process. As long as you have started construction and continue construction, as per your conditions of approval, you can take as long as you want to complete your project. However, if work on the project stops for more than 12 months the permit will expire and a new permit will have to be issued to complete the project.
Please note, you cannot occupy or use the building or structure until construction is complete and the permits have been closed. The R.M. Administration Office recommends completing all Building Permits in a timely manner.
Do I need a Building Permit for my renovations?
A Building Permit is required for structural changes to the building. Cosmetic changes do not require a Building Permit. If in doubt, contact the R.M. Administration Office or contact BuildTECH Consulting & Inspections Inc. at 306-229-6916 to determine whether or not your project will require a Building Permit or for more information on the National Building Code and Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards.
Who is the R.M. of Biggar’s Building Code Official?
The R.M.'s appointed Building Official is BuildTECH Consulting & Inspections Inc. to review Building Permit plans and conduct building inspection services. They may be reached at 306-229-6916.
Do I need a permit to demolish or remove a building/structure on my property?
Yes, a permit is required to be issued by the R.M. Administration Office prior to demolishing or removing a building or structure on your property. An application form, fees and a security deposit must be submitted for approval.
Do I need a permit to relocate a building/structure from another property onto my own property?
Yes, a permit is required to be issued by the R.M. Administration Office prior to relocating a building or structure from another property, whether inside or outside the RM of Biggar, onto your property. An application form and fees must be submitted for approval.
Do I need a permit to relocate a building/structure from one location to another on my own property?
Yes, a permit is required to be issued by the R.M. Planning Department prior to relocating a building or structure from one location to another on your own property. The relocation must comply with set-backs outlined in the Zoning Bylaw. An application form and fees must be submitted for approval.
Rezoning/Subdivisions
What is a rezoning?
A "rezoning" means to change the zoning of a property: for example from agricultural to industrial. A bylaw amendment to the applicable Zoning Bylaw is required to facilitate this change.
A rezoning approval is often required to subdivide and develop residential, commercial and industrial parcels within the R.M. of Biggar. Typically, a rezoning is required because the current Zoning District does not allow for the proposed development or there is a conflict with the proposed land use, parcel size or other regulation. The applicant or landowner initiates the rezoning to support their proposal.
How do I apply for a rezoning?
Submit a written request, along with any necessary information to the R.M. Administration Office. Administration will review the application and begin the process as required by The Planning and Development Act, 1984. The Applicant will be notified of the scheduled public meeting and when the application will be presented to the R.M. Council. The Applicant is responsible for all costs involved in a rezoning application.
What is a subdivision?
Subdivision is the process in which a parcel of land is divided into two or more parcels, in order to obtain separate legal titles for each parcel.
How do I apply for a subdivision?
The provincial Community Planning Branch with the Ministry of Government Relations is the approving authority for subdividing land in the R.M. All subdivision applications, and required attachments, must be submitted to Community Planning in order to begin the subdivision process. Community Planning will facilitate a referral for review of the subdivision to the R.M. Council. Please contact Community Planning for more information on the application process.
Are subdivision and rezoning the same thing?
No. Subdivision is the process in which a parcel of land is divided into two or more parcels, in order to obtain separate legal titles for each parcel. Rezoning means to change the Zoning District and the use of the land that will be applicable to the use on your property.
In some cases, a rezoning will be required to support the proposed subdivision. If this is the case, the application for a rezoning should accompany your application to subdivide a parcel.
Property Taxes/Assessment
When are taxes due?
Payment of current taxes is due and required to be received at the RM Administration Office no later than the close of business on the 31st of December in the calendar year in which they were imposed.
If the tax payment is mailed, the date post-marked on the envelope will be the date posted for payment.
Can I appeal my taxes?
No. Provincial legislation allows for an appeal against the assessment of a property, but it does not provide for an appeal against the taxes, or mill rate of a municipality.
Why do I pay school taxes when I don’t have children or I am a senior?
All property owners, whether they have children attending school or not, are required by Provincial law to pay school taxes.
Is there a discount for paying taxes early?
The RM of Biggar offers discounts for paying property taxes early. However, the Province has discontinued the discount for paying property school taxes early. However, penalties are still continued on outstanding property taxes.
When can I expect my tax notice?
The tax notices are mailed typically between the last week of July and mid August or each year for the calendar year. As soon as the Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Association confirms the Hail Roll, Administration begins the process for the current tax levies.
When do I appeal my property assessment?
Each municipality prepares annually an assessment roll and provides notice of its completion in a local paper. You have within thirty days of a regular assessment roll being advertised you must give your completed notice of appeal, along with an appeal application fee of $50.00 to the RM office. Every four years is a reassessment year, you have sixty days of the assessment roll being advertised to submit you notice of appeal. Notice of Appeals must have valid reason for the appeal to be accepted by the Board of Revision Secretary and may be rejected if the reason is non-sufficient. After the appeal period expires, appeal applications will no longer be accepted by the RM Administration Office.
Can I appeal my assessment on the fact that I feel my taxes are too high?
No. Provincial legislation outlines what are considered valid grounds of appeal, and taxes are not a valid ground to appeal.
Transportation Services
If I want custom work to get my driveway graded or some mowing done or snow plowed what do I do?
You need to contact your Councillor to have the custom work approved. If your request is approved, you will be invoiced for the custom work. Custom work is completed as time permits and as equipment is available/in the area with RM work having priority.
What do I do if I want to put in an Approach?
You need to submit a written request to the R.M. Administration Office for Council approval. The Municipalities Act gives Council full control of all roads, other than highways, within the municipality.
What determines when my road gets gravel?
Each spring, each Councillor is required to submit a draft gravel map for the year. Council, as a whole, determines which roads need gravel, the quantity of the gravel, and priority of needing the gravel. Some items for gravel consideration include: outstanding projects from prior years, ratepayer requests, the year the gravel was last applied and the existing gravel condition of the road relative to the type and amount of traffic.
When do I need to get an overweight permit?
An overweight permit is required for haulers any time they know that the material they are going to be hauling combined with the registered allowable weight of their vehicle, exceeds the limits of road weight standards, set out in the Highway Traffic Act. Overweight permits are generally issued for one-way trips along a specified route for a limited period.
What is the purpose of a Road Maintenance Agreement (RMA)?
RMA’s are issued when Council determines that a particular haul will be detrimental to the road and aids in the recovery of costs associated with road maintenance and the lifecycle of roadway renewal. They are also an acknowledgement of liability for damages to the roadways resulting from hauling activities.
Weed Control
In regards to Noxious weeds who is responsible for getting rid of them?
The land owner is obligated for the control or eradication of any noxious weeds on their property.
Can I contract the RM to come and spray for Noxious Weeds on my property, if so, how much does it cost?
The RM does not spray for Noxious Weeds on private property unless ordered to do so from the Weed Control Officer. Each land owner is responsible to do their own weed control or to hire a contractor.
If I have weeds that I am not sure of or don’t know if they are on the Noxious weeds list, how can I find out?
Go to Saskatchewan Agriculture web site www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca and go to crops, crop protection, weeds, and weed identification guide. You can also call the RM Administration Office and we can forward your information to the Weed Control Officer.
Pest Control
What do I do if I think I have rats on my property?
Call the Administration Office and they will notify the Pest Control Officer.
Where can I get rat bait?
The Administration Office will provide a small quantity of rat bait at no costs to their ratepayer. If you have a substantial problem, the Pest Control Officer will be requested to inspect the property.