Tiny Homes In Saskatchewan: Everything You Need To Know

More and more people are moving to tiny home living; prices are lower for bills and maintenance, it is more eco-friendly, and it is a lovely way to live simply. However, tiny home owners need to consider a number of factors, especially since tiny homes are not legal in every part of Canada.

There are tons of housing issues and shortages, and unfortunately, Saskatchewan is not yet on track with tiny homes, although many of its citizens have decided to look at other options and want to move to tiny house living.

It is no wonder that the tiny house movement has accelerated so much and why so many are interested in it – it is a minimalistic way of life that requires less stuff, gives you more freedom, lets you save money, and so much more.

However, there are things that you first need to consider. Here’s all you need to know about tiny homes in Saskatchewan:

Are Tiny Homes legal in Saskatchewan?

It all depends on what municipality you live in, and the problem is that tiny homes are not legal in all parts of Canada. More places are starting to open up to the idea, but the legalities around it are not so straightforward.

For example, Regina and Saskatoon both forbid tiny homes. New single-family dwellings cannot be any smaller than 800 square feet in Regina. Both cities claim that tiny homes, often on wheels, are too similar to tent trailers and recreational vehicles (RVs).

Depending on the requirements outlined in zoning by-laws, the size of a tiny home varies from municipality to municipality. There are minimum size limits for some municipalities and maximum size requirements for others.

For instance, some municipal by-laws stipulate that a tiny home must be no larger than 37 square meters (400 square feet), so in order for a tiny house to be legal, it needs to fit these requirements. A house of 300 sq ft will still fall under the house building code.

What are the Requirements?

The maximum width for tiny homes in Canada is 8 ft 6 in; this restriction stems from the need to be able to transport them on public roadways without needing a special permit. The height, which is limited to 13 feet 6 inches in height, is also determined by similar factors.

The length can range from 8 to 26 feet. A tiny house on wheels’ normal approximate footage is roughly 300 square feet if it has a loft. Tiny houses also need to be built according to CSA standards.

However, the requirements do depend on where in Saskatchewan or Canada you live, and the tiny house must comply with the building code in that particular city. Admittedly, this is a blurry line, as tiny homes generally do not comply with specific building codes.

However, in general, there are requirements regarding:

• Municipal zoning for the tiny home.
• The tiny home must be up to standard with the building code.
• Building inspections are required.
• The tiny home must be connected to various municipal services if they are available.
• Parking requirements if the tiny home is on wheels.
• Different municipalities have different sizing requirements.
• Permits.
• Comply with health and safety requirements.

Tiny homes must comply with various requirements, and the details of these will not be the same in every municipality. So it is best to contact your specific municipality and ensure that you are on track with their rules and regulations.

The square footage of the living area and all other rooms and spaces, the height of the ceilings and lofts, the width of the hallways, the width of the doorways and every door, stairs and handrails, egress windows, smoke alarms, ventilation, the foundation and anchorage, and the energy efficiency must all comply with local building codes.

Where can I Legally Park or Place My Tiny Home?

Some tiny homes can be placed on one’s private property. However, it’s crucial to initially consult with your neighborhood municipal planning and building departments before deciding to build a tiny home on your property.

The municipality can respond to inquiries about the Building Code, zoning, and other bylaws and inform you if you can add to or construct a small home on your property.

There are various places in Canada that do not have certain laws that dictate where a tiny home can be placed or parked. There are zoning bylaws that must be adhered to, but the laws that will apply to you will fully depend on where and how you will live in your tiny house.

There are different laws for permanent structures and tiny homes on wheels. To complicate matters more, different municipalities have different definitions of what a house on wheels is, some see it as an RV, and some see it as a mobile home, and how it is classified will dictate where it can be parked. In most cases, tiny homes can be parked in RV parks.

However, it is best to check in with your municipality as the rules and laws are different everywhere.

How Often Do I Need to Move My Tiny Home?

Simply because the wear and tear on your home might result in considerable damage, it is advised that you only move once every three to six months or when necessary.

If your tiny home is on wheels, you can only park it on private property for 48 hours or less, and there are no exceptions. Owners of mobile homes that are on wheels also need to note that they cannot be parked in the backyard.

Do I Need a Permit to build/live in a Tiny House?

Permits can get very confusing, and one can never be too sure when they are necessary or not. There are building permits and development permits that apply to tiny homes.

There is a building permit process – you will need to submit an application form, along with floor plans for your tiny house, and then it can be compared to and assessed along with the building code in your municipality.

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