Zoning still comes before the permit conversation, since a lot's specific district and existing coverage can limit what is allowed even where the general rule permits a suite. A call to the City of Saskatoon's planning branch before any design work is the step that actually saves money.
The requirements do not change once zoning clears: a separate entrance in most cases, egress windows sized to current code, adequate ceiling height and fire separation from the main house, confirmed by a City of Saskatoon inspection before a lender treats the space as anything more than an unfinished basement. Budgeting a $400 to $600 inspection into the plan now saves a renegotiation later.
Joel Dyck can confirm what a specific Fairhaven lot allows before you spend on a design. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.