Housing Design Catalogue

Standardized housing designs are pre-designed plans made available to applicants, eliminating the need to retain design professionals at the initial design stages. Applicants can use the prototypical plans as a head-start for planning their project and engage a qualified professional, as needed, to finalize the designs for their site. 

•    Summary packages including floorplans and building dimensions
•    Technical design packages including architectural and engineering drawings
•    Tools and guides including a User Guide and construction cost estimates

View the full Housing Design Catalogue 

• Homeowners and small developers
• Builders and contractors 

• Streamlined applications: pre-reviewed plans enable a more efficient and predictable permitting process.
• Cost savings: the plans are made available at no cost through CMHC’s website thereby reducing soft costs (i.e. costs prior to development) for developers and homeowners.
• Zoning compliance: the plans have been pre-reviewed by the City and are generally consistent with zoning and building code requirements in most residential zones.

IMPORTANT! Applicants still apply for required permits and using catalogue plans does not guarantee permit approval. While City staff have reviewed the catalogue plans for general alignment with zoning by-laws, all applications must undergo site-specific review. The applicant remains solely responsible for ensuring compliance with zoning by-laws, building code, and all other applicable municipal by-laws. 

As a partner in this initiative, the City has endorsed three types of housing within the catalogue:
•    ADU 01 
•    ADU 02 
•    Fourplex 01 – Option 2 (3rd floor rear balcony) 
 

Explore the Housing Design Catalogue to view standardized designs complete with plans, renderings, specifications, energy guidance, and accessibility options. 

Select a design that suits your lot and project. Customize exterior finishes and materials while maintaining compliance with the City’s zoning by-laws.

Work with qualified professionals to tailor the design to your property, including site conditions, zoning requirements, parking, servicing, and local by-laws. 

Submit your permit application using the site-specific design. While base designs have been reviewed for general zoning alignment, your professional is responsible for ensuring full compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.