Pre-approved designs of Additional Dwelling Units available for purchase in Pickering

Pickering, ON, November 20, 2025 – The City of Pickering is proud to present a collection of pre-approved Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs, which aim to streamline the design and approval process for ADUs in the community.

ADUs can either be constructed as apartments within a home or as small homes elsewhere on the property. The Province of Ontario now permits up to two ADUs on most residential properties.

The City of Pickering and the Town of Whitby have worked together to pre-approve five detached ADU designs that are available for purchase and building (community members will still be required to submit a building permit to ensure zoning compliance, which will be reviewed based on site-specific conditions). Models can be viewed online at pickering.ca/ApprovedADU.

Benefits of pre-approved ADU designs:

• Faster approvals – the available designs have been pre-reviewed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code, allowing for quicker approval and construction.
• Sustainability – all HVAC designs utilize energy-efficient heat pump systems, promoting sustainable living.
• Weather-Ready – designs meet higher snow load requirements, making them suitable for use throughout Pickering.
• Versatility – each design is adaptable to many standard lot configurations, ensuring they can be used in various settings.

This initiative is delivered in partnership with the Town of Whitby and supported by the Federal government’s Housing Accelerator Funding.

Visit pickering.ca/ApprovedADU to learn more, or contact the City of Pickering’s Building Services.