Housing Design Catalogue

The Housing Design Catalogue provides free, standardized home designs developed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Explore designs that have been pre-reviewed by the municipality for local application.

The Housing Design Catalogue provides standardized housing designs developed by architects and engineers for use across Canada. These designs are intended to meet Ontario Building Code requirements while supporting energy efficiency, climate resilience, accessibility, contemporary construction practices, regional housing needs, and cost-effective housing delivery.

The catalogue designs are considered "near permit-ready." While professionally prepared, site-specific design work and supporting documentation are still required before a building permit can be issued. Property owners must work with a qualified professional to adapt the design to their property.

Download designs and resources directly from the CMHC Housing Design Catalogue.

The City of Cambridge has completed a preliminary review of the following Ontario Housing Design Catalogue designs: 

  • Accessory Dwelling Unit 01
  • Fourplex 01
  • Sixplex 

These designs align with Cambridge's housing objectives and can help increase housing choice throughout the community. 

Important: The City's review of these designs does not mean they are approved for your property. Your project must still meet zoning requirements, Building Code requirements, and other applicable regulations. A building permit is required, and construction cannot begin until the permit has been issued. 

Not every housing type is permitted on every property. Before selecting a design, property owners should confirm: 

  • Zoning permissions
  • Minimum lot width requirements
  • Lot area requirements
  • Building setbacks
  • Building height limits
  • Landscaped area requirements
  • Parking requirements
  • Driveway limitations
  • Easements
  • Utility constraints
  • Conservation authority limitations, where applicable
  • A catalogue design may require modifications to address site-specific conditions. 

 

How to Get Started 

Step 1: Review Your Property 

Determine what housing forms are permitted on your property. 

Review: 

  • Zoning permissions
  • Lot dimensions
  • Easements 
  • Servicing constraints
  • Grading considerations 
Step 2: Select a Design 

Review the Ontario Housing Design Catalogue and choose a design that meets your needs. 

Step 3: Download the Technical Package 

The CMHC technical package includes: 

  • Architectural drawings
  • Structural drawings
  • Engineering information
  • Energy performance information
  • Digital design files
  • User guides 
Step 4: Hire a Qualified Professional 

You will need a qualified professional, such as: 

  • Architect
  • Professional Engineer
  • BCIN-qualified designer 

Your consultant may be required to: 

  • Prepare a site plan
  • Design foundations
  • Prepare grading information
  • Prepare servicing drawings
  • Confirm energy requirements
  • Confirm structural requirements
  • Address accessibility features
  • Prepare permit submission documents 
Step 5: Apply for Required Approvals 

Submit all required planning and building permit applications through the City of Cambridge online application system.  

Step 6: Obtain a Building Permit 

Construction may begin only after all required approvals have been obtained and a building permit has been issued. 

Building Permit Process 

A building permit application must demonstrate compliance with: 

  • Building Code Act, 1992
  • Ontario Building Code
  • City of Cambridge Zoning By-law 
  • Applicable engineering requirements 
  • Applicable law under the Ontario Building Code 

Building staff will review both the catalogue design and any site-specific modifications as part of the permit review process. 

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The designs have been pre-reviewed by the City, but all projects require site-specific review and building permit approval.

No. The proposed building must comply with all zoning and development regulations applicable to the property.

Yes. The Housing Design Catalogue plans are available free of charge through CMHC. 

Yes. A building permit is required before construction begins. 

Contact Us

Building Division 

City of Cambridge 
50 Dickson Street 
Cambridge, Ontario 

Phone: 519-623-1340 

Email: building@cambridge.ca 

Planning Services 

Phone: 519-623-1340 

Email: planning@cambridge.ca 

For assistance determining whether a Housing Design Catalogue design is suitable for your property, contact Planning Services or the Building Division before preparing your application.