Townhomes now figure into the City of Toronto’s Certified Plans Program, which was recently expanded to include a wider range of building types. Applicants can have their building designs pre-reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code as the city facilitates more rapid housing development.

Semi-detached houses, multiplexes, detached homes, laneway and garden suites, and solar domestic hot water systems are other additions to the program. Eligible building types can also be constructed using modular or prefabricated methodology.

Builders and designers will be able to re-use an approved design multiple times without having to undergo a full review for each permit application. Site-specific reviews, such as zoning compliance, are still required for all permit applications.