The City of Wrenford announced today that the updated housing design standards are now in effect, making it easier for developers and builders to construct safer, more accessible homes across the city. The changes, approved by Council at its June 2024 meeting, update the Wrenford Housing Design Catalogue and tighten fire safety requirements for new multi-unit buildings.
Homeowners and developers will find a clearer set of rules in the updated catalogue, which provides pre-tested architectural plans for laneway houses, secondary suites, and missing-middle housing. The revisions also require all new multi-unit residential buildings to connect smoke alarms across every unit, ensuring that a warning in one suite alerts everyone in the building. Additionally, new standards require at least one fully accessible unit on the ground floor for every building with four or more suites, supporting our community's goal of ageing in place.
"We want new homes to be safe, efficient, and welcoming for everyone," said Fiona Gallagher, General Manager of Community Services. "By streamlining the design rules and focusing on critical safety upgrades, we are helping builders move projects forward while protecting residents."
Builders must follow the updated standards when applying for building permits under the Building Code Act, 1992. The City's planning and building teams are available to answer questions about the new requirements. You can reach the Building Permits desk at 519-555-0100 or visit the online portal.
Learn more about how these changes affect your project on the Housing page, or visit Building Permits for permit applications and fee schedules.