Building & Dev. Permits

As per the Town of Eston’s Zoning Bylaw, residents are required to obtain a building, development or demolition permit for projects as defined by Provincial and Federal legislation.

Common Q’s & A’s

What is the Difference Between a Development Permit & Building Permit?

Development permits relate to community planning; specifically, what can and cannot be done on or to a property. Regulations for development are found in our Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan Bylaw (OCP). The Zoning Bylaw and OCP and are regulated by The Planning and Development Act. Building Permits relate to the construction of structures and the regulations are found in our Building Bylaw. The Building Bylaw is regulated by The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act, including The National Building Code. For further information regarding permitted, discretionary and prohibited uses please refer to the Town of Eston’s Zoning Bylaw eston.ca/bylaws/

How do I obtain a development permit application?

It is a simple application process and, providing no bylaw amendments are required. Please contact the Town office or eston.ca/permits/ The cost is $50 and they are valid for 12 months. All development permits should include; 1) Application filled out 2) Site plan, showing existing and proposed information with labels and measurements Residents are required by bylaw to obtain a permit for development, building, moving or demolition permit for projects as defined by Provincial and Federal Legislation

When do I need a permit?

Building permits are required for new construction, additions to pre-existing structures or property and in most cases large renovations, including but not limited to: basement developments, leasehold improvements, decks, garages and any renovation where structural changes occur.

Development permits are required for any activity involving building, engineering, mining or operations in on or over land as well as any substantial change in use or intensity of use of land or buildings. This includes excavating, filling, grading or drainage of land.

Commercial Building Permit Application

When don’t I need a Building or Development Permit?

Re-roofing, painting, re-siding, flooring and cabinet installation and replacement of windows and doors (as long as the openings are not changed) do not require a permit. A permit is also not required for fences, sheds less than 100 square feet and decks less than 1 foot off the ground. When in doubt, contact the Town Office for more information.

Who are the Building Inspectors and how do I contact them?

Residential & Commercial Building Inspector: Dan Knutson. Contact by phone at 306-741-7844 or email deknutson@shaw.ca.

How do I get a permit?

Building and demolition permits can be purchased at the Town Office and online. Applications for a permitted use as defined in the Zoning Bylaw are approved by the Development officer. Any permit applications requiring approval of a discretionary use must be approved by Town Council.

For example, in a Residential Single Dwelling District an RTM, garage, deck or pool application may be approved by the Development Officer since these are all considered Permitted Uses. An application for a discretionary use such as a child daycare centre in the same Residential Single Dwelling District would require council approval.

Building permit application or pick one up at the Town Office. In addition, most permits have required documents or worksheets that must accompany the application.

Requirements and Worksheets

When do I need a demolition or moving permit?

Any assessable (taxable) property or portions thereof being removed or moved onto a property require a demolition or moving permit, respectively.

How much are inspections?

A2A- NEW HOUSING INCENTIVE POLICY-V10

Commerical Building Permit Application

How do I know if my application is approved or not?

You will be notified in writing if your application is approved or not. If approved, the Town will collect your fee and issue the permit. 

What happens if I don’t get a permit before work commences or receive proper approvals from the Building Inspector?

This could result in:

  • Stop work orders being issued
  • Fines
  • Work needing to be re-done or demolished

Check with the Town Office for more details before commencing work.

Please note that additional permits may be required from utility providers and the Health Inspector, depending on the type of work.

Questions on setbacks? 

Property line setbacks are from the foundation of the structure. Therefore if the setback bylaw says 4’0” then it is the distance from the property line to the foundation. The eaves usually extend past the foundation two feet .

Note, If there are no eavestrough on the eaves then it could cause water issues on the adjoining property. This is prohibited.