City Supports Faster Homebuilding with Pre-Approved Housing Designs

The City of St. John’s is offering a new Housing Design Catalogue from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to help make building homes faster and more affordable.

Identified as an action in the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund Plan, the catalogue includes seven pre-designed housing options for Newfoundland and Labrador—ranging from backyard suites to fourplexes, stacked townhouses and a six-plex.

Developed by architecture and engineering professionals, the designs align with local building codes, development regulations, construction methods and architectural styles.

The free, pre-approved plans can help save time and reduce costs. They are designed to be accessible, energy efficient, climate resilient and code compliant. While generally aligned with local requirements, site-specific reviews will still be needed during the application process.

The plans are available to property owners at no cost, although more complex modifications may require review by a qualified professional.

Residents can explore the designs on the CMHC website. This initiative is one of several actions underway to support housing development and increase options in St. John’s.

Housing Design Catalogue