Whitby and Pickering - Additional Dwelling Unit Regional Design Catalogue

The Town of Whitby and the City of Pickering are proud to present this collection of pre-approved Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs. This initiative, supported by Housing Accelerator Funding, aims to streamline the design and approval process for ADUs in our communities.

Benefits of Pre-Approved Designs

Our pre-approved ADU designs offer a variety of options that provide numerous benefits:

Faster Approval: These designs have been reviewed and approved in accordance with the Ontario Building Code, allowing for quicker construction.
Versatility: Each design is adaptable to many standard lot configurations, ensuring they can be used in various settings.
Sustainability: All HVAC designs utilize energy-efficient heat pump systems, promoting sustainable living.
Durability: Conventional lumber is used in place of roof trusses for added strength and stability.
Weather-Ready: Designs meet higher snow load requirements, making them suitable for use throughout Pickering and Whitby.

Important Note: While these designs are pre-approved, building permits will be reviewed based on site-specific conditions. It is important to consider the applicable Zoning By-law for the subject property when selecting the pre-approved design, and the selected pre-approved design should not be altered.

How to Use This Resource

Browse the available models below.
Contact the designer of your chosen model to purchase a pre-approved design as well as a site plan of your specific property.
Your purchase will include applicable foundation and HVAC plans.

We invite you to explore these resources further to learn more about how ADUs can enhance your property while ensuring compliance with local regulations. Together, we can create more living opportunities and foster community growth in Whitby and Pickering!

NRB Modular Solutions

Unit 2 - 310 sq.ft.

One-bedroom, one bathroom

View Rendering Contact Designer

NRB Modular Solutions

Unit 4 - 529 sq.ft.

Two-bedroom, one bathroom

View Rendering Contact Designer

Submit Your ADU Design

Acceptance of design submissions is currently closed. A second round of ADU design submissions will be considered in the future. If interested, please email HAF-ADU@whitby.ca.

Submission Guidelines

To submit your ADU design for review and potential inclusion in our pre-approved catalogue, please ensure your submission meets the following criteria:

Complete Building Permit Submission: Include all elements required for a complete Building Permit submission, including professional stamps/credentials (OAA, BCIN, P.Eng., as applicable). Please note: A separate foundation design is required for pre-approved CSA modular buildings.
Model Site Plan Compatibility: Design must be compatible with our provided Model Site Plan, which is generic and free from specific site constraints.
Sustainable HVAC: All ADU designs must incorporate a heat pump system for HVAC.
Size Considerations: While designs of any size are accepted, we encourage modest floor plans, ideally no more than 60 square metres.
Construction Specifications:
- Use conventional lumber instead of roof trusses.
- Design for higher snow loads to ensure usability throughout Pickering and Whitby.
Marketing Drawings: Include marketing drawings (coloured renderings) that can be displayed on our municipal website.

Important Notices for Designers

Approved designs will be featured on our municipal website, with contact information for potential clients.
Designers retain ownership of their plans and set their own licensing fees for public use.
Designs may be removed from the website if legislative changes lead to non-compliance, but designers will have the opportunity to update their plans.

Submission Process

Acceptance of design submissions is currently closed.

To submit your ADU design for review, please contact:

Pickering: Contact details

Note: The approval status of pre-approved designs can change due to legislative updates the designs are subject to at the time of permit submission.

Questions About ADUs and Your Property

If you have any questions about Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) or need further information, please reach out to your municipality. The contact details are provided below.

Whitby Contact Details (Building Permit Submission Requirement):

Building Services Division (Building Permits)
905-430-4305
building@whitby.ca

Pickering Contact Details (Permit Applications/Inquiries):

Building Services
citydev@pickering.ca