News Release - City of Toronto introduces pre-approved multiplex designs, making it easier to build more homes faster

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release
October 2, 2026

City of Toronto introduces pre-approved multiplex designs, making it easier to build more homes faster

The City of Toronto is expanding its Pre-Approved Building Plans Program by launching new designs for modern fourplex and sixplex buildings tailored to Toronto’s range of neighbourhoods.

These new designs, which can be accommodated on wide and narrow lots, build on the City’s existing pre-approved plans program for garden and laneway suites. These new made-in-Toronto designs make it easier to add more homes to residential properties. By providing building designs at no cost, homeowners can benefit from a headstart on the design process.

Created with Toronto’s neighbourhoods in mind, the plans meet with the Ontario Building Code. The designs include opportunities for sustainable features, bicycle parking, waste storage and more. The designs were also developed with accessibility, climate resilience, cost and ease of construction as core considerations. Designs were created by an architectural firm selected through a competitive procurement process.

This initiative complements the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Design Catalogue, supports the City’s housing objectives and aligns with the expanded multiplex zoning permissions. Currently, fourplexes are permitted city-wide, while sixplexes vary by location. If a multiplex meets the zoning requirements, owners can apply directly for a building permit, without going to the Committee of Adjustment.

The new multiplex plans can be used to prepare a building permit application and will undergo the City’s review process. Applicants must still engage a qualified design professional to take responsibility for the design and prepare the site-specific drawings and information required for their property.

For more information and to download the plans, visit www.toronto.ca/PreApprovedPlans.

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at www.x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca

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