The Housing Design Catalogue is a new initiative introduced by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to make building new homes easier. It offers free, standardized housing plans for different regions of Canada.
What is the Housing Design Catalogue?
The Housing Design Catalogue is a new initiative introduced by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to make building new homes easier. It offers free, standardized housing plans for different regions of Canada.
For Atlantic Canada, designs were developed by local industry professionals to align with regional building codes, climate zones, and typical construction methods. In Nova Scotia, seven options are available, including accessory dwelling units, fourplexes, sixplexes, and stacked townhouses. While the Town supports all seven building designs, the following three designs have been generally pre-screen by Town staff:
You can browse and download designs directly from the CMHC website. Renderings are illustrative only.
Why it matters
Designing a new residential project takes time and money. The catalogue provides comprehensive architectural drawings at no cost. Many elements, such as cladding, roofing, interior finishes, and other aesthetic details, can be tailored to your site and context. Using a catalogue design may reduce time and cost compared to a fully custom design.
Note: Catalogue drawings are “near permit-ready.” They must be adapted to your specific site and completed before permit submission.
How to choose a design for your property
- Zoning & Land Use
Confirm your zoning and applicable Land Use By-law (LUB) requirements. While accessory dwelling units are permitted in most residential areas of Yarmouth, developments exceeding two (2) dwellings are permitted (as-of-right) only on R-2 and R-3 properties. Contact the Planning & Development Department for more information or review:
- Town of Yarmouth Land Use Map
- Town of Yarmouth Interactive Zoning Map
The Town is updating its LUB to enable more flexibility and a wider range of residential building types across its neighbourhoods. For more information, contact Planning & Development at 902-742-1505 or development@townofyarmouth.ca or visit Planning Review.
- Before you settle on a design, contact Planning & Development.
We can help you:
- Understand site servicing needs (driveway/access, and water/sewer lateral connections);
- Review applicable LUB standards (e.g. setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking);
- Flag key Building Code considerations (e.g. limiting distance, spatial separation, energy requirements).
Early confirmation that your project fits zoning, can be serviced, and can meet Building Code requirements helps reduce review time.
- Get Qualified Help
Engage a local contractor and/or a licensed design professional (e.g., architect, engineer) to adapt catalogue drawings to your site and prepare permit-ready documents.
Are the drawings permit-ready?
Not quite. They are near-permit ready. Catalogue drawings must be applied to your exact site conditions (lot size/shape, grades, servicing, soil, coastal/wind/snow loads, etc.). A qualified professional or experienced local contractor will finalize the package for submission to the Town. If in doubt, contact Planning & Development for guidance.
What else must I submit with my permit?
In addition to the architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections, details), typical Housing Design Catalogue submissions also contain:
- A complete application form–complete the fillable PDF linked here, or a hard copy available on the 3rd floor at Town Hall (400 Main Street, Yarmouth).
- A site plan showing the proposed building on the lot (dimensions, setbacks, parking, grades/drainage as applicable);
- Site services details (driveway/access, water and sewer lateral locations, sizes, and connections).
Additional documents may be required based on site conditions (e.g., grading/drainage plan, stormwater, energy/Step Code documentation, truss/engineered products, geotechnical, coastal considerations).
How long will permitting take?
Priority Review: Completed combined Development/Building Permit applications that use CMHC Housing Design Catalogue plans will be treated as priority files and reviewed as soon as received. Our target is 14 days or less. Some applications may take longer because of site-specific issues (e.g., servicing constraints, driveway design, unique lot geometry, coastal/wind exposure, missing documents).
Tip: Contact us early in your design process to reduce uncertainty and avoid delays.
* Complete application means all required forms, fees, plans, and supporting documents are submitted, correct, consistent, and scalable/readable.
Inspections after approval
Review your combined Development/Building Permit and any conditions. Building inspections verify ongoing compliance with the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations and related standards as work progresses. The permit holder must request inspections at the required stages.
Note: Some multi-unit/row/townhouse projects may follow slightly different scheduling. Confirm with the Building Official at 902-742-1505.
Typical inspection sequence:
- Footings – after footings are placed and forms removed.
- Prior to Backfill – foundation dampproofed, drain tile with minimum 6" stone; Surveyor’s Location Certificate required before this inspection.
- Underground Plumbing – under-slab plumbing and any exterior storm/sewer services.
- Below-Slab Insulation – insulation under the slab as per Code.
- Rough-in Plumbing – before wall insulation (often combined with framing inspection).
- Framing – building weather-tight; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical installed.
- Pre-Drywall – insulation and vapour barrier complete.
- Final Plumbing – fixtures installed; hot water and heating operational (often combined with Final Building).
- Final Building – full review of structure and systems. Do not occupy until the Occupancy Permit is issued.
Questions? Start here.
Planning & Development
Phone: 902-742-1505
Email: planningadmin@townofyarmouth.ca
PDF Application Form: