Pre-Approved Plans Program

Apply for a Building Permit with Pre-Approved Plans

What is this program about?

To help make building your new additional residential unit easier, the City of Peterborough has created a program with pre-approved building plans for detached Additional Residential Units (ARUs). These plans, designed by local professionals with BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) or Professional Engineers (P.Eng.), are already checked for compliance with the Ontario Building Code. The goal is to speed up the building permit process, for these units.

How does it work?

Browse the Approved Plans

Want to get started? First, take a look at the catalogue of pre-approved plans on our website. These plans are designed to meet all safety and zoning requirements, so you can skip the lengthy review process.

Pick a plan and contact the designer

Found a plan that fits your needs? Great! Now, contact the designer directly (their info will be included with each plan). They can help you with any modifications, although keep in mind that changes may take extra review time when submitted.

Make sure your site is ready

Before you start building, you’ll need to make sure your property has the appropriate zoning and that the proposed building will meet the zoning regulations. Check the City’s GIS Map for zoning and other information. You can also visit the Plan Build Peterborough Desk at City Hall during regular business hours.

A sample site plan is available to review before getting started. If you need assistance preparing the site plan for your building permit submission, you can discuss this process with your designer. 

Submit your application

Ready to apply for your building permit? Head over to the City’s online application portal and submit your application. Don’t forget to include all the required documents (construction drawings, site servicing report, site plan, and other documents, including heritage or conservation authority approval, if required). In the permit description, note the catalogue number for the pre-approved plan.

We’ll review your application

Once submitted, our team will double-check that your plan matches the approved design. If there are no changes, we’ll prioritize your application! If you make modifications, the permit will go through the usual review process.

Zoning check

We’ll also review whether your property fits within the zoning rules. We will also check if other approvals were required from agencies including heritage or the conservation authority. Sample site plans can be found at the bottom of the Additional Residential Unit page.

Get your permit and start building!

Once everything is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your building permit, and you’re all set to get started!

Need Help or more info?

Check out the full list of approved plans on our website and feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the process. We’re here to help!