Online-Only Applications Begin May 1
Starting May 1, 2026, the City will only accept online applications for all building permit types available through the online building portal. Learn more about how our faster, more convenient online permit applications are saving builders and developers time and effort: MapleRidge.ca/DSO.
Learn about building permit application submission requirements for Tenant/Landlord Improvement (TI) Permits for commercial, industrial and multi-residential projects. All proposed new construction must comply with the current BC Building Code, Maple Ridge Building Bylaws, Zoning Bylaw, and other applicable bylaws.
Preparing for a Tenant/Landlord Improvement Permit Application
The City of Maple Ridge encourages applicants to meet with City staff to discuss their improvement plans as early as possible. City staff can help you understand specific regulations and requirements applicable to your project.
As a first step, before signing a lease or sales agreement, please check with the Planning Department to ensure your preferred location is properly "zoned" and you meet the parking requirements for your Tenant/Landlord Improvement project. Please note that in some cases, a building may have correct zoning but not meet the current requirements of the BC Building Code in relation to your project.
If you have any questions you can contact the Planning Department at Planning@MapleRidge.ca and the Building Department at BuildingInquiries@MapleRidge.ca.
For buildings requiring modifications, you must ensure that the building where you plan to operate meets BC Building Code requirements. A registered professional will be able to provide advice on what improvements may be required, potential costs, and if the services of other registered professionals, such as a structural engineer, are also required. It is recommended that you consult with a registered professional prior to signing a lease or sales agreement.
Submitting full and complete applications will assist in the delivery of efficient and prompt service throughout the permitting process. If all requirements set out in this guidance are not met, the application may be rejected.
For new businesses, applicants should confirm that the type of business is permitted under Zoning Bylaw regulations and contact the Business License Department to make a business license application prior to building permit application.
For more information, visit Business Licensing. The City of Maple Ridge Business Licensing Department can be reached via email at BusLic@MapleRidge.ca or by calling 604-476-7440
Additionally, our team in Economic Development can assist new businesses with site selection, business plan development, economic data, statistics, research collection and distribution trends. To connect with Economic Development, email Invest@MapleRidge.ca or call 604-467-7320.
When Is a Tenant/Landlord Improvement Building Permit Required?
Any interior or exterior alterations or change of use to an existing commercial, industrial and multi-residential building requires a building permit.
Some alteration examples are:
- Increase floor area to an existing building
- Add mezzanine or story within an existing space
- Install or modify commercial kitchen exhaust system
- Alterations to interior layout
- Alterations to exterior of the building
- Re-piping
- Racking
- Changing the use of a business
- Spray booth
- Alterations to fire alarm
- Work previously done without the benefit of permits
Improvement Plan Requirements
Drawings must be submitted digitally with a maximum size of 50MB per document/file upload. Dimensions can be in imperial or metric but must be consistent throughout. All drawings to have a title block.
Digital Site Plans must indicate:
- Dimensions of site (including north arrow)
- Location and dimension of all buildings on the site
- Street names and location, as well as location and width of any lanes
- Legal Description (Lot number, Block number, District Lot number, Plan number)
- Street address, floor number and tenant suite number
- Indication of area to be developed and adjoining tenants, including occupancy
- Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
Minimum Scale 1/16” = 1’0”
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Floor Plans must include:
- Dimensions and area calculations for all floor areas including mezzanines. Full dimension of each floor including mezzanines, second stories and area calculation
- Location of exits, stairs and corridors including travel distance measurements for all areas
- Location and size of door and window openings
- Location of any common washroom space
- Dimensions and detail of washrooms for persons with disabilities (if applicable)
- Existing and proposed walls with new wall schedule
- Fire-resistance rating of any new and existing fire separations
- Fire-resistance rating and construction of wall, floor and/or ceiling assemblies adjacent to other tenants
- All outside dimensions of tenant space
- Total area of tenant space (total square meters or square feet)
- Corridor widths
- Exiting for new tenant space and all other tenant spaces on the floor where construction or alterations will occur
- Room names
- Exit signs, emergency lights and fire alarm pull stations
- Furniture layout
- Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
Minimum Scale 1/8” = 1’0
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Digital Construction Details must:
- Indicate wall structure (written description or cross sections). List assemblies required for fire-rated walls and floors. Provide copies of Canadian listed assemblies
- Include reflected ceiling plan
- Include details of air conditioning or heating units and duct work, roof plan and elevation plans showing location and dimensions of units
- Specify fire stopping details for service penetrations of fire separations. Provide copies of Canadian listed assemblies
Minimum Scale 1/2” = 1’0”
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Digital Structural Plans must be:
- Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B*
- Note: For structural work such as: structural alterations, mezzanine or 2nd floor additions, racking systems see racking information guide
Minimum Scale: 1/4” = 1’-0”
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Complete drawings of the affected area are required and must include:
- Detailed load calculation showing usage, space requirements and all other connected loads including all mechanical loads done by an electrical engineer or licensed electrical contractor
- One-line drawing of the Main Electrical Service to the premises including the proposed or existing distribution to the tenant spaces and sub-service characteristics
- Drawing or detail demonstrating the electrical installation shall comply with AANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings for lighting and receptacle control
- ASHRAE Lighting Compliance Documentation Form completed by an electrical engineer, licensed electrical contractor or designer
- Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
Mechanical/Plumbing drawings must include:
- Drawing details demonstrating that the mechanical installation shall comply with AANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings
- Note: All new mechanical systems shall comply to Part 6 of the BC Building Code
- Drawing details demonstrating that the plumbing installation shall comply with the BC Plumbing Code
- Signed and Sealed drawings with Schedule B* may be required depending on scope of work
*A Schedule A is required if multiple Registered Professionals are submitting Schedule B’s.
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenant/Landlord Improvement Application Form | Tenant Improvement Application Form must be completed by the Tenant/Lessee or Agent. |
| Owner’s Acknowledgement of Responsibility Simple and Complex Buildings | Owner’s Acknowledgement of Responsibility must be signed by all Land title Owners or by the Tenant/Lessee. |
| Consent To Construct | Consent to Construct form must be signed by the Strata or Property Manager to confirm the Tenant/Lessee has the authority to undertake the construction. |
| Letter of Authorization Form | Letter of Authorization form must be signed by and completed by the Land title Owners or authorized agent acting on behalf of the Lessee/Tenant to apply for the building permit. |
| Building Code Analysis | Required at time of application. |
| Alternate Solutions as accepted by City Building Official (If Applicable) | Required when deviating from the current BC Building Code. |
| Fraser Health Authority Approval (If Applicable) | Plans must be stamped and approved by Fraser Health Authority and are required at the time of permit application for improvement projects such as: Personal Services, Child Care Facilities, Food Services. |
| Fire Suppression Drawings (If Applicable) | Signed and sealed sprinkler drawings are required if altering an existing system or adding a new system. A Schedule B and hydraulic calculation are required for projects such as restaurants. |
Local business licensing is regulated by the City of Maple Ridge. Business license application forms are obtained from the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department. The application is reviewed for correct zoning for commercial and industrial land uses and for the type of business.
For more information, visit Business Licensing. The City of Maple Ridge Business Licensing Department can be reached via email at BusLic@MapleRidge.ca or by calling 604-476-7440.
Additionally, our team in Economic Development can assist new businesses with site selection, business plan development, economic data, statistics, research collection and distribution trends. To connect with Economic Development, email Invest@MapleRidge.ca or call 604-467-7320.
Fraser Health Authority Approval is required prior to submitting the building permit application for the following business types:
- Food service establishments
- Personal service establishments such as salons, esthetics, tattoo, laser, tanning studios, massage, manicure/pedicure, skin care, body modification, lash extensions, etc.)
- Recreational water facilities (swimming pool and hot tubs)
- Childcare facilities
Applicants must provide Fraser Health Authority approved and stamped plans at the time of the building permit application.
Any alterations made to stamped plans, as approved by Fraser Health Authority, may require a new approval. For more information, contact the Fraser Health Authority.
Subtrades permits (electrical, plumbing, gas and sprinkler) must be obtained by a certified trade contractor that is licensed in the City of Maple Ridge or holds an Inter-Municipal License, after the building permit is issued, as required.
For information regarding Trades Permitting and Subtrades visit Building Permits & Inspections or contact Building Services at BuildingInquiries@MapleRidge.ca.
Any exterior sign requires a sign permit a permit as per the 7630-2020 Sign Bylaw. This section provides information and requirements for exterior signs in all zones. Note that incomplete applications will not be processed.
Online Application
Step 1: Submit Your Revision Application
- Log in to the Citizen Portal.
- Go to “My Issued Permits.”
- Select the permit you wish to revise and click “Revise.”
- Complete the revision questionnaire and provide a detailed description of the changes you’re requesting.
- Upload updated drawings or documents to support the revision. Ensure that the revisions are clearly marked.
- Complete the Consent Form as part of your submission.
- Pay the applicable revision fee as outlined in the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 7575-2019.
Step 2: Pending Review
Step 3: Revision Permit Issued
Paper Application
- Two (2) hard copies of updated drawing sheets (signed and sealed if applicable), with all revisions clearly marked.
- Supporting documentation (if applicable)
Notes
- Only the owner or authorized applicant may submit a revision application.
- Significant changes may require a new Building Permit instead of a revision application. This will be at the discretion of the assigned plan reviewer.
- Revision applications should be submitted and approved by the City prior to construction of the proposed work on site. This ensures compliance and timely processing to avoid delays during the construction process.
Need help with your revision request? Email our Building Team at BuildingApplications@MapleRidge.ca or 604-467-7311 for assistance.
Additional Contact Information
Permit Applications
Email: PermitApplications@MapleRidge.ca
Inspection Requests
See the Inspections & Results page for options.