The City of Wrenford is updating its housing design standards this July to make new homes, secondary suites, and laneway houses safer and more energy efficient. The changes take effect on August 1, 2025, and apply to all new building permit applications.
Homeowners looking to add a secondary suite or a laneway house will notice a few key changes. The City has updated the required window egress sizes to ensure easier escape in an emergency. Fire separation materials between the new suite and the main house now require a higher fire-resistance rating. We have also updated the energy efficiency targets for insulation and air sealing to help you save on heating and cooling costs. The Wrenford Housing Design Catalogue has been revised to reflect these changes, giving you ready-to-use plans that meet the new rules.
"We are updating these standards so that every home in Wrenford is built to the highest safety and comfort levels," said Elena Petrova, Senior Planner. "These updates make it easier for you to build a secondary suite or laneway house while keeping your family and neighbours safe."
If you are planning a project, check the new standards before you submit your application. You can review the full list of changes on the Build a secondary suite and Build a laneway house pages. If you have questions about how the changes affect your specific property, email the Planning and Development team at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100.
The City is committed to growing our housing supply in a way that protects residents and strengthens our neighbourhoods. Visit the Housing section for more information on building permits, zoning rules, and available grants.