Call to Action - Near Permit-Ready Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Designs

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The City of Belleville is launching an initiative to promote detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a way to expand housing choice, support gentle density, and make it easier for homeowners to build secondary homes on their properties. Many residents are interested in ADUs but face challenges navigating design, permitting, and zoning requirements. To simplify the process, the City is creating a collection of high-quality, near permit-ready ADU designs developed by local professionals and made available as a free public resource.

To make this possible, the City is inviting qualified local designers and builders to contribute near permit-ready detached ADU designs of up to 100 m². Participants will benefit from:

  • Visibility: Your firm and contact information featured on the City’s website.
  • New leads: Homeowners seeking site-specific modifications directed to you at your standard rates.
  • Recognition: Be part of a select group advancing housing diversity and innovation in Belleville.

Designers will offer their base design for $1,000, with modifications or upgrades billed at standard rates. This provides predictability for residents and fair compensation for designers.

Resources:

To help participants and homeowners, the City has developed several supporting resources:

  • A Zoning Guide for Detached ADUs outlining local requirements.
  • A summary of community feedback and common questions from our recent survey, included in the attached FAQ.

Design Requirements:

Designers can submit near permit-ready designs that:

  • Are no larger than 100 m².
  • Include a complete set of architectural drawings suitable for a building permit application.
  • Comply with the Ontario Building Code and local zoning requirements (City staff can help confirm site conditions).
  • Allow homeowners to personalize their ADU through material and aesthetic choices. Colours and materials for cladding, roofing, and interior finishes will be selected and incorporated into the final design by the qualified professional.

Designers are also encouraged to offer optional “premium” or “eco” versions of their base plans to showcase different features or energy-efficient options.

A qualified professional, such as a licensed designer with a BCIN number or an architect, will still be required to finalize the design to suit each property’s specific site conditions. This additional work is outside of the $1,000 base design fee and will be billed by the qualified professional at their standard rates. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

  • Designing a foundation or basement appropriate for the site’s grading.
  • Preparing a plot plan showing building placement, parking, walkways, and compliance with zoning.
  • Preparing site servicing drawings.
  • Confirming heat load calculations.
  • Selecting accessibility and energy efficiency features.

The City will maintain and promote this design library as an ongoing resource for residents. Participating designers will continue to benefit from long-term exposure, new client opportunities, and recognition for supporting innovative, small-scale housing in Belleville. Through this initiative, the City aims to make detached ADUs more accessible, affordable, and achievable for homeowners while highlighting local design and construction talent.

Next Steps:

  • Call to Action to local designers.
  • Review submissions and launch City webpage promoting approved designs.
  • Promote release of Near Permit-Ready Designs publicly.

Stay Informed:

If you have any questions, please reach out to planning@belleville.ca.




The City of Belleville is launching an initiative to promote detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a way to expand housing choice, support gentle density, and make it easier for homeowners to build secondary homes on their properties. Many residents are interested in ADUs but face challenges navigating design, permitting, and zoning requirements. To simplify the process, the City is creating a collection of high-quality, near permit-ready ADU designs developed by local professionals and made available as a free public resource.

To make this possible, the City is inviting qualified local designers and builders to contribute near permit-ready detached ADU designs of up to 100 m². Participants will benefit from:

  • Visibility: Your firm and contact information featured on the City’s website.
  • New leads: Homeowners seeking site-specific modifications directed to you at your standard rates.
  • Recognition: Be part of a select group advancing housing diversity and innovation in Belleville.

Designers will offer their base design for $1,000, with modifications or upgrades billed at standard rates. This provides predictability for residents and fair compensation for designers.

Resources:

To help participants and homeowners, the City has developed several supporting resources:

  • A Zoning Guide for Detached ADUs outlining local requirements.
  • A summary of community feedback and common questions from our recent survey, included in the attached FAQ.

Design Requirements:

Designers can submit near permit-ready designs that:

  • Are no larger than 100 m².
  • Include a complete set of architectural drawings suitable for a building permit application.
  • Comply with the Ontario Building Code and local zoning requirements (City staff can help confirm site conditions).
  • Allow homeowners to personalize their ADU through material and aesthetic choices. Colours and materials for cladding, roofing, and interior finishes will be selected and incorporated into the final design by the qualified professional.

Designers are also encouraged to offer optional “premium” or “eco” versions of their base plans to showcase different features or energy-efficient options.

A qualified professional, such as a licensed designer with a BCIN number or an architect, will still be required to finalize the design to suit each property’s specific site conditions. This additional work is outside of the $1,000 base design fee and will be billed by the qualified professional at their standard rates. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

  • Designing a foundation or basement appropriate for the site’s grading.
  • Preparing a plot plan showing building placement, parking, walkways, and compliance with zoning.
  • Preparing site servicing drawings.
  • Confirming heat load calculations.
  • Selecting accessibility and energy efficiency features.

The City will maintain and promote this design library as an ongoing resource for residents. Participating designers will continue to benefit from long-term exposure, new client opportunities, and recognition for supporting innovative, small-scale housing in Belleville. Through this initiative, the City aims to make detached ADUs more accessible, affordable, and achievable for homeowners while highlighting local design and construction talent.

Next Steps:

  • Call to Action to local designers.
  • Review submissions and launch City webpage promoting approved designs.
  • Promote release of Near Permit-Ready Designs publicly.

Stay Informed:

If you have any questions, please reach out to planning@belleville.ca.