Housing Design Catalogue
What is the Housing Design Catalogue?
The Housing Design Catalogue is a new initiative designed to accelerate housing development across Canada. It features multiple sets of architectural plans tailored to various regions, created by local architects and engineers to meet regional building codes, planning regulations, climate conditions, construction practices, and architectural styles.
For New Brunswick, the Catalogue includes seven plan sets:
- Two accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Two fourplexes
- One sixplex
- Two stacked townhouses
These designs are intended to be:
- Adaptable to a range of accessibility needs
- Energy-efficient and climate-resilient
- Cost-effective through standardization
- Responsive to regional climate zones, housing needs, and construction methods
- Compliant with local codes and regulations
More information on the Housing Design Catalogue can be found here.
What are the benefits of using Housing Design Catalogue plans?
Using Housing Design Catalogue plans can significantly reduce both time and cost by eliminating the need to create custom designs from scratch. These professionally developed plans are available to property owners free of charge. However, to meet local permitting requirements, you may still need to engage a qualified professional—such as an engineer—for approvals.
Will my permit application be fast-tracked if I use Housing Design Catalogue plans?
Permit applications using Housing Design Catalogue plans will receive a prioritized review above and beyond the standard small-scale residential permit timelines. On average, small-scale residential permit issuance timelines are as follows:
- 1-week for Tier 1 - which includes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
- 2-weeks for Tier 2 - which includes Stacked Townhouses
- 4-weeks for Tier 3 - which includes Fourplexes and Sixplexes.
Additional localized guidance coming early 2026.
How do I know if Housing Design Catalogue plans will work on my property?
The following Housing Design Catalogue plans for the Atlantic region have been reviewed by City staff and generally comply with land use by-laws and Building Code requirements:
Atlantic – Stacked Townhouse 01
Atlantic - Stacked Townhouse 02
For more detailed guidance, please refer to the Housing Design Catalogue User Guide.
However, each lot is unique, and not every design will be suitable for every property. When selecting a design, consider the following questions:
Is the type of building permitted on my property?
Before starting your project, it’s important to confirm whether the proposed building type is allowed on your property. Key considerations include:
- Garden Suites: Also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the Housing Design Catalogue, garden suites have been permitted on most lots in Saint John since 2014. Exceptions may apply if zoning standards, such as setback requirements, cannot be met. Please note that Garden suites may qualify for the Missing Middle Housing Grant, which offers grants to support the construction of new units. More information can be found here.
- Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: Properties located within the Primary Development Area (i.e., those with municipal water and wastewater services) are permitted up to four residential units per lot. Properties within designated Intensification Areas are permitted to have up to six residential units, provided they meet all zoning, setback, minimum lot size, and parking requirements. These permissions have been in effect since 2024; however, properties subject to a development agreement may be governed by different rules.
If you're unsure whether your property qualifies, please contact us at 506-658-4455 for assistance.
Does the design fit on my property?
Before moving forward, it’s important to confirm that your chosen design complies with local land use by-laws and Building Code requirements. Key considerations include:
- Setback Requirements: Most land use by-laws specify minimum distances between buildings and property lines. These setbacks typically vary for front, side, and rear yards.
- Lot Coverage Limits: By-laws also regulate the maximum percentage of your lot that can be occupied by buildings. This includes both the main structure and accessory buildings such as sheds, garages, and garden suites.
- Height Restrictions: There are maximum height limits for both primary buildings and garden suites, which vary by zone.
- Separation Distances: Depending on the layout of your lot and adjacent properties, additional Building Code requirements for separation distances may apply.
If you’re unsure about any of these requirements, please contact us at 506-658-4455 for guidance.
What else does this new building need?
- Parking Requirements: Some minimum parking requirements were reduced in 2024 for affordable housing projects and developments located in the Low-Rise Residential (RL) Zone; however, your project may still require off-street parking. Be aware that some land use by-laws limit how much of the front yard can be used for parking.
- Landscaping Requirements: As of 2025, residential properties are subject to enhanced landscaping standards. Your new unit may need additional front yard landscaping to meet these updated requirements.
- On-Site Services: If your property is not connected to municipal water and wastewater systems, you’ll need to accommodate on-site services - such as a well and septic field—within your lot.
What other documents will I need to provide when applying for permits?
The specific documents you'll need depend on the type of permits required for your project. To find detailed guidance tailored to your situation, visit the Renovating, Repairs, Or Building Something New page of our website for more information.