The City’s made-in-Toronto pre-approved plans for multiplexes, as well as garden and laneway suites make building an additional dwelling unit on your property faster and less expensive. These pre-approved plans give homeowners a head start when considering missing middle housing, helping support the creation of more housing options across the city.
The pre-approved plans have been reviewed by City staff to ensure the building designs comply with the Ontario Building Code and the City’s zoning by-law. However, zoning and Ontario Building Code requirements related to the placement of the building on the property would have to be reviewed as part of the building permit application process.
You still need a building permit when using a pre-approved plan.
When you submit a building permit application using a pre-approved plan, you do not need to submit a copy of the plan with your application. Instead, choose a building form, HVAC system and simply reference the plan number on your submission.
Since the plans have been pre-reviewed for compliance with zoning and Ontario Building Code requirements the City does not need to review the design if it is is used without modifications. However, the homeowner or designer using the plan remains responsible for the design. You or your designer should ensure the plan complies with applicable law.
If any modifications are made to the pre-approved plan selected, including HVAC or plumbing modifications, the plan will no longer be considered pre-approved. The pre-approved plan application process will therefore no longer apply, and you must follow the normal submission instructions for the appropriate application type.