Apply for housing design standards

Use pre-tested architectural plans to build or add a home in Wrenford. These designs cut costs and speed up permit reviews.

What are standardized housing designs?

Standardized housing designs are pre-tested architectural plans you can use to build a new home or add a secondary suite to your property. The City of Wrenford has reviewed these plans to ensure they generally match our zoning rules and the Ontario Building Code. Using them helps cut down on design fees and speeds up the permit review process.

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Why use a standardized design?

Using these plans gives you a head start on your project. Key benefits include:

  • Faster permit reviews: Pre-reviewed templates move through our planning and building services desk more quickly.
  • Lower costs: You save money on soft costs like architectural fees and site assessments.
  • Zoning confidence: The base designs are checked against Wrenford's zoning by-law to reduce surprise rejections.

Design options available

The catalogue includes plans for low-density housing that fits well in Wrenford's neighbourhoods. You can choose from:

  • Garden suites (also called accessory dwelling units)
  • Duplexes
  • Fourplexes
  • Sixplexes
  • Stacked townhouses

How it works

  1. Browse the catalogue: Explore the free plans online. Each option includes floor layouts, exterior renderings, and technical specifications.
  2. Select a design: Pick a layout that matches your goals. You can swap exterior finishes and materials to match your street, as long as the overall shape stays the same.
  3. Adapt it for your lot: Every property is different. You will need a qualified professional—like an engineer or architect—to adjust the design for your specific lot. They will check setbacks, lot coverage, grading, drainage, parking, and utility connections.
  4. Apply for your permit: Once your plans are finalized, submit them through the Apply for a housing permit portal. Our planning and building services staff will review the adapted drawings for compliance.

Important notes

These designs do not guarantee approval. Final approval depends on your lot's unique conditions, including soil tests, tree protection, and utility connections. You must still follow all applicable by-laws, including the Zoning by-law and the Official Plan.

Contact us

Visit the Planning & Development office or contact us by phone or email.

Planning & Development office
Room 310, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.