Housing Design Catalogue

The City of Cambridge supports the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Design Catalogue as a Municipal Partner. 

The Housing Design Catalogue provides free, standardized housing designs that can help homeowners, builders and developers save time and reduce design costs. The catalogue includes professionally developed plans for additional residential units, townhouses, fourplexes and other housing options.  

The City of Cambridge has reviewed selected Housing Design Catalogue designs and supports the use of all Ontario-region Catalogue designs, subject to zoning compliance, site-specific conditions and applicable law. 

To use a catalogue design, you will need to work with a qualified designer, architect or engineer (as required) to adapt the plans to your property and prepare the drawings needed for a building permit application. 

The Housing Design Catalogue provides standardized housing designs developed by architects and engineers for use across Canada. 

The designs have been developed to address: 

  • Ontario Building Code requirements 

  • energy efficiency and climate resilience 

  • accessibility considerations 

  • contemporary construction methods 

  • regional housing needs 

  • cost-effective housing delivery 

The catalogue designs are considered "near permit-ready." While the building designs have already been professionally prepared, site-specific work is still required before a building permit can be issued. 

Property owners must work with a qualified professional to adapt the design to their property and prepare any required supporting documentation. 

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 

  • Accessory Dwelling Unit 02 

  • Stacked Townhouse 01 

  • Stacked Townhouse 02 

  • Fourplex 01 

  • Fourplex 02 

  • 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. 

Save Time and Money 

Housing Design Catalogue plans are available at no cost from CMHC. 

Using a standardized design may reduce the time and expense associated with preparing a new building design from scratch. 

Faster Review Process 

Because City staff have already reviewed the supported designs, permit review can be more efficient once site-specific requirements have been addressed. 

Each application remains subject to standard municipal review processes. 

Greater Certainty 

The designs have been developed by professional architects and engineers and include comprehensive technical documentation. 

Support Housing Choice 

The catalogue provides housing forms that support: 

  • additional residential units 

  • multigenerational living 

  • attainable homeownership 

  • rental housing options 

  • gentle density in existing neighbourhoods 

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.