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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
City Hall Responds to House Height Violation on University Drive
Saskatoon city hall has undertaken a review of its building inspection procedures following a high-profile case in which a nearly completed home in the Nutana neighbourhood was found to exceed municipal height restrictions by more than a metre. The discovery was made in May during an inspection prompted by a complaint, even though 11 previous city inspections did not reveal the violation.
Details of the Height Violation and Appeals Process
The house in question, located on University Drive, was built to three storeys and surpassed the 8.5-metre maximum height stipulated for residential buildings in established neighbourhoods. Curtis and Rachelle Kelln, who purchased the home nearly two years ago from the estate of the original developer Karl Miller, are now appealing — for the second time — an order to halt work on the property. Their first appeal to the development appeals board was rejected in August, and a ruling on the second appeal is expected within 30 days.
Inspection Procedures Under Review
According to an unsigned statement from city hall, the building standards department has conducted a review of residential building inspection practices. The review concluded that Saskatoon has the necessary inspection steps in place but suggested that awareness needs to be increased around infill zoning requirements and how changes during construction can impact compliance with those requirements. The city is also focusing on additional training for its building inspectors to verify that completed structures match approved plans.
Responsibility and Oversight in Construction Compliance
Senior city planner Brent McAdam, testifying during the first appeal hearing in July, stated that ceiling heights are typically checked during inspections. However, he did not provide further details on why the house's external height violation went unnoticed during multiple inspections. The city's development permit for the property issued in 2022 included a disclaimer stating that homeowners are fully responsible for ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, regardless of any errors or omissions by city inspections.
Unique Circumstances and Infilling Guidelines
Planning consultant Alan Wallace, speaking from the site, indicated that exterior height is not routinely measured during standard inspections, which prioritize health and safety as per building codes. He characterized the Nutana case as "unique," particularly because ownership of the property changed during construction. Wallace noted that while concerns about large residential buildings and infill zoning persist city-wide, height violations of this magnitude are rare.
Development Appeals Board Process and Record
The development appeals board, independent of city hall and comprised of Saskatoon residents, has heard 34 appeals so far this year, with appellants prevailing in 27. In 2023, 55 appeals were launched, 39 proceeded, and 24 were granted. Board decisions can be further appealed to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board, though these processes can take months.
Next Steps
As the Kellns await a decision on their second appeal, their lawyer, Kim Anderson, has declined to comment until a ruling is issued. The proposed remedy seeks to alter the design to address side wall area and top floor stepback violations but would not bring the house within the height limit.
Source: cbc.ca.
