Saskatoon Buildings Committee met with City of Saskatoon to clarify Building Code implementation processes.  This is the third and final of a series of articles that will provide guidance to members about these processes.  The articles are in a question and answer format.

This link is to a set of City of Saskatoon forms that are referenced in the series of articles.

Question:

Sealed pre-engineered building drawings may not be available until after a project is tendered.  Will the City of Saskatoon issue a building permit subject to the receipt of sealed pre-engineered building drawings?

Response:
Pre-engineered building drawings are required when the permit for the building shell is applied for. If the pre-engineered building drawings are unavailable, then a foundation permit should be applied for first to start the permit process.  This is one reason why the phased permit process was created.  Until the City of Saskatoon has the pre-engineered building drawings, they may not have the second storey or mezzanine plan or there may be issues with the building structure obstructing exiting.  Also, it may be difficult to obtain the information after the permit is issued.

Question:

Are engineered grading and servicing plans required as part of the building permit submissions and are they required at the very first phase of the project (i.e. the foundation phase)? In a few instances we have been requested to complete grading plans for buildings that are already under construction. 

Response:
Grading and site servicing plans are required to be submitted for review as part of the building permit application for all new buildings or additions to buildings. If a phased building permit application is submitted, the grading and site servicing plans shall be submitted for review as part of the foundation phase building permit application. Submitting the grading and site servicing plans at the foundation phase helps to ensure any issues associated with servicing or drainage can be addressed early on in the design process. If the grading and site servicing plans are not submitted as part of the foundation phase permit application, a note will be added to the plans requiring the grading and site servicing plans to be submitted as part of the shell or final phase building permit application. Please note the final phase building permit application cannot be approved without the approval of the grading and site servicing plan. Grading and site servicing plans are reviewed by Transportation and Utilities Division for compliance with City of Saskatoon Bylaw 5115.

Question:

When are piling designs by the contractor acceptable?  A possible scenario would involve the structural engineer stating the location and required load for each pile with the actual piles designed by the contractor.  A stamped drawing is then submitted for review/approval.  Is this scenario acceptable to the City of Saskatoon for permitting?

Response:
Full design for foundations, stamped by the engineer of record, is required to be submitted for all permits.  Loads are not acceptable even with requirement for stamped pile shop drawings. Loads can be indicated to allow for alternate pile designs in addition to those indicated on the permit drawings. 

Question:

A consulting Structural Engineer of record is required to submit a “Commitment for Field Review” letter to the City of Saskatoon prior to a permit being approved and an “Assurance of Field Review” letter prior to a permit being closed.

Electrical engineering consultants believe Letters of Assurance and Letters Recommending Occupancy ensure occupant safety. These requirements are not currently enforced for life safety systems including Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting system, or other electrical code deficiencies that could cause potential harm to occupants. Is there any current discussion on expanding the requirement to other scopes/disciplines?

Response:

Provincial Legislation is under UBASA. Any changes to have final review of fire alarm safety would have to be reviewed by Provincial Legislation. The current code does not require enforcement for these types of assurances. If the code does not back it up, they cannot write into legislation to get the engineer to review.  The City of Saskatoon understands this is a gap.