Toronto Expands Certified Plans Program to Speed Up Housing Development

Toronto — In a move to accelerate housing construction, the City of Toronto has announced the expansion of its Certified Plans Program, aiming to cut down permit approval times and reduce costs for builders.

The program, which allows pre-approved building designs to be reused without undergoing repeated full reviews, has now been broadened to include a wider range of housing types. These include detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses, multiplexes, laneway and garden suites, and solar domestic hot water systems.

Once a design is certified for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, it can be used multiple times, streamlining the process for developers and homeowners. However, each project must still undergo a site-specific review for zoning compliance.

The City has also signaled support for modular and prefabricated construction methods for eligible building types—an approach that could further accelerate development timelines.

This expansion is part of Toronto’s wider strategy to simplify permitting and enable faster delivery of new homes amid rising demand for housing across the city.

More details on the Certified Plans Program can be found at toronto.ca/certifiedplans.