Key point:
• Any property owner in Saskatoon who wants to install or modify vehicular access from a city street must obtain a Driveway Crossing Permit before construction begins.
• Permit fees do not cover construction costs, so hiring a licensed private contractor is a separate, required step.
Getting a driveway crossing permit in Saskatoon is a mandatory step before any curb, sidewalk, or ditch modification takes place on city property. Skipping the permit process can result in failed inspections, costly reconstruction, and project delays.
What the Permit Process Actually Requires
The City of Saskatoon’s Transportation Department controls access from public and private properties onto city streets. All property owners who wish to install or modify vehicular access to their property from a city street must complete a Curb and Sidewalk Permit Application Form.
If you are planning a new driveway or widening an existing one, Driveway Crossing Services in Saskatoon SK can help you prepare the site plan documentation required as part of that application. Once all necessary documents have been submitted, the review process may take up to five business days, and submitting an incomplete application can result in increased processing times.
All permits are valid only for the same calendar year in which they are issued. If the curb and sidewalk crossing is not completed in that year, the permit becomes void and a new application is required the following year.
key Rules Governing Driveway Crossing Dimensions
The City enforces specific dimensional standards under its zoning bylaws. Knowing these before you apply prevents redesigns and re-submissions.
Under Zoning Bylaw No. 8770, driveways shall not be constructed to cover more than one-third of the total property frontage or flankage, and the minimum width for driveway crossings is 3.0 metres for residential properties.
Additional site constraints include:
• New driveways are not permitted within three metres of a tree on City property.
• A metric site plan — a legible hand sketch is acceptable — must accompany the application, showing all existing structures, existing and proposed driveway crossings, on-site parking areas, and the location of all City-owned trees in relation to the proposed crossing.
• No parking is permitted in the front yard, and no vehicular access to the site is permitted from the front street if the site has access to a rear lane.
According to the City of Saskatoon’s official driveway crossing permit page, these rules are reviewed alongside Bylaw No. 4785 and the Private Driveway Crossing Guidelines for every application.
Inspections: What Happens After You Apply
Obtaining the permit is not the final step. The City requires two separate on-site inspections before the crossing is approved.
In conjunction with the crossing permit, two inspections are undertaken by City of Saskatoon Construction and Design Inspectors. The first inspection takes place when the base and forms are in place. The second inspection takes place after the crossing has been finished. Both inspections ensure that all driveway crossings are constructed to City of Saskatoon standards and specifications.
Concrete damaged by freezing must be replaced at the permit holder’s expense, and all concrete pouring must be terminated on or before October 31st unless special permission is granted.
| Stage | What Happens | Who Is Responsible |
| Application | Submit site plan and permit form | Property owner or contractor |
| First inspection | Base and forms reviewed before pour | City Inspector |
| Second inspection | Finished crossing reviewed for compliance | City Inspector |
| Permit expiry | Void if work not done in the permit year | Property owner |
Hiring a Contractor: What to Look For
Permit fees do not cover the construction costs associated with any portion of the proposed driveway crossing, and applicants must hire a private contractor to complete the construction. Choosing a contractor familiar with Saskatoon’s specific bylaw requirements reduces the risk of failing either inspection.
Since 2003, JD’s Paving Stones has evolved into a full-service landscaping company offering a wide range of services including paving stones, retaining walls, irrigation, and more. Driveway crossing installation is among the concrete services the company provides in the Saskatoon area.
When evaluating any contractor for this type of work, confirm they understand:
• The site plan documentation requirements under Bylaw No. 8770
• The October 31 concrete pouring deadline
• The two-stage City inspection process
• Tree proximity rules that could affect the crossing location
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit if I am only widening an existing driveway? Yes. All property owners who wish to install or modify vehicular access to their property from a city street must complete a Driveway Crossing Permit Application. Widening counts as a modification.
What happens if my property is in a neighbourhood with drainage ditches? A Ditch-Crossing permit is required when residents need private access to their lots in areas served by drainage ditches, and these crossings require a separate expertise and review process.
Can my contractor apply for the permit on my behalf? Where a property is already serviced by an existing crossing, the owner or contractor may submit the application for the permit along with two copies of the site layout drawn to scale, showing the size and location of the crossing or crossings.
What if my permit expires before the work is done? Permits are only valid for the calendar year in which they are issued. If the crossing is not completed in that year, the permit becomes void and a new application is required the following year.
Understanding the permit requirements before breaking ground saves time, money, and the risk of having to reconstruct non-compliant work at your own expense. For hands-on help with site preparation and crossing installation in Saskatoon, contact JD’s Paving Stones to discuss your project scope and timeline.
