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Toronto introduces free pre-approved multiplex designs to speed up home building
The City of Toronto is expanding its Pre-Approved Building Plans Program with free fourplex and sixplex designs, aiming to add homes faster amid the housing shortage.
Why it matters
Toronto faces a persistent housing shortage, and lengthy design and permit processes are one of the biggest brakes on adding homes. Free, ready-made designs that already meet the building code could shorten the path from idea to building permit by months.
Full report
The City of Toronto announced on October 2, 2026 that it is expanding its Pre-Approved Building Plans Program with new designs for modern fourplex and sixplex buildings, made for the city's mix of wide and narrow lots. The program already covered garden and laneway suites.
The designs are free to download and were created with Toronto neighbourhoods in mind: they meet the Ontario Building Code and factor in accessibility, climate resilience, cost and ease of construction, plus features such as bicycle parking and waste storage. An architectural firm selected through a competitive procurement process drew up the plans.
The initiative complements the CMHC's Housing Design Catalogue and lines up with Toronto's expanded multiplex zoning. Fourplexes are now permitted city-wide, while sixplex permissions vary by location. If a multiplex meets the zoning rules, owners can apply directly for a building permit without going to the Committee of Adjustment.
One caveat: applicants must still hire a qualified design professional to take responsibility for the design and prepare site-specific drawings for their property. The plans are available at toronto.ca/PreApprovedPlans.
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