Huntsville pilot project in the works for pre-approved secondary dwelling units

The project comes complete with all the documentation and saves applicants up to $10,000

Huntsville General Committee approved a new pilot program for pre-approved secondary dwelling units, in the June 25, 2025, meeting.

According to the staff report, the program provides pre-approved permit drawings to the public for the development of secondary residential dwelling units (SRDU). The drawings will be from qualified designers and premanufactured homes.

Staff indicated that other municipalities, such as Collingwood, have adopted a more simplified process for this type of development, including pre-approved home designs and building permit drawings.

“These municipalities proactively reached out to designers and pre-manufactured home companies to curate a range of designs in various sizes,” according to the report.

The designs were then posted on the municipal websites for residents to choose from the options provided and then contact the designers.

The report adds that Huntsville’s program offers more support through “offering a complete start-to-finish package that includes not only pre-approved designs but also all necessary building permit documentation,” to help remove barriers that discourage homeowners from these types of construction projects.

It continues, “This model transforms the platform from a passive catalog into an active tool for housing development – one that is genuinely accessible, efficient, and user friendly.”

Director of Development Services, Kirstin Maxwell, said that this model offers “a turn-key set of packages…and saves time and money for homeowners.” She explained that getting this permit package reduces fees for homeowners.

She said that designers will receive a royalty from their designs that are used.

The report indicates that other benefits include faster permit approvals and progress toward housing goals for the town, and revenue and growth for the design and manufacture industry.

It adds, “At this time staff are proposing that the initial cost of the drawings be funded fully at the Town’s expense, with only the royalty/usage fee being paid by the homeowner. This approach would save a homeowner anywhere from $6,000-$10,000 per design.”

Staff advised Committee that funding for the initial cost of drawings are budgeted at a maximum of $100,000 through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Reserve (not the levy).

Maxwell, said, “I think it will drive interest in the community.”

She added that staff expect to have the permit packages ready for launching to the public by this January.

Councillor, Bob Stone, said “I really think this will be a win for housing for the community,” which matched the overall enthusiasm of fellow Committee members.