Applications are open! More businesses eligible! The City of Maple Ridge encourages businesses across the city to participate in the Seasonal Curbside Patio Program to expand their dining, retail, and customer service areas into the public sidewalks and streets to enliven their storefronts and streetscapes.
Note: This program applies only to patios located on public property—on City-owned sidewalks and in curbside parking lanes. Patios located on private property, within an existing building envelope, or behind the property line are not covered by this program and may be governed by the Building Bylaw and associated permits.
What You Need to Apply
The user-friendly Design Guidelines document below is filled with creative ideas, construction know-how tips, and guidelines to help local businesses navigate this new program. Once you're ready, you can fill in the application form and submit below.
Be sure to check out the FAQs as we likely have the answer you are looking for there. Can't find the answer you are looking? Please email us at Patios@MapleRidge.ca.
All licensed Maple Ridge businesses located in specific zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, CRM, H-1, H-2, and CD-1-17), wishing to use the public right-of-way (sidewalk and/or parking lane) for an outdoor patio are eligible for this program. Visit RidgeView or call 604-467-7341 to confirm your zoning.
The program welcomes participation from all types of businesses across Maple Ridge, including retail and service businesses, not just food and beverage. As long as you maintain your patio activities in compliance with your current business licence, you shouldn't need any additional licence.
No. Only those patios on public property (i.e., City-owned sidewalks or in curbside parking lanes) are covered under the Patio Program.
The program does not include patios located entirely on private property, within the existing building envelope, or behind the property line. Those patios may be governed by the Building Bylaw and associated permits.
Maybe. If your patio is located within a public right-of-way (i.e., a City-owned sidewalk or in a City street), you will need to apply to the program and meet the requirements.
If you’re not sure about the location of the property line and whether your patio is on public or private property, please email patios@mapleridge.ca
If you follow the Patio Program design guidelines, you generally won't need a building permit or other associated permit for your program-eligible patio.
Keep your patio on or low to the ground, don't use overhead structures or install utilities on your patio, make sure you can remove it within 24 hours, and don't increase the number of people who will be in your business (including the patio), and you shouldn't need a building permit - just a patio approval.
When would a building permit be required?
A building permit would be required in situations where any of the following apply:
The patio is attached to the existing building
You're seeking permanent use of the patio (i.e., not seasonal or temporary)
You're seeking to increase the occupant load of your business (or your patio triggers a code-related life safety review tied to occupant load)
The patio is on a deck or platform more than 60 cm above grade
The patio is constructed on private property and otherwise meets the definition of a building or structure under the Building Bylaw.
Applications can be made all year round, and we aim to have your application processed and a decision communicated in 10–15 business days (3 business days for Type A patios).
Regardless of the application date, you still need to adhere to the program's operating season for your patio type, and any fees related to your application or patio (for Type B/C/D patios) will not be pro-rated.
It depends on the patio type. Type A and B patios can operate year-round. Type C and D patios can be installed and operated from April 1 to October 31, with structures and furnishings to be removed before November 1. However, all patios must be able to be removed in 24 hours if directed by the City for any reason.
Based on feedback from the 2024 and 2025 operating seasons, the following adjustments have been made for 2026:
Eligible Businesses
All licensed Maple Ridge businesses (not just food and beverage service) located in eligible zones, and where conditions can accommodate the safe installation of patios on the public sidewalk or roadway, can participate in the Seasonal Curbside Patio Program.
Patio Use
Patios are no longer limited only to seating for food and beverage service. Businesses are welcome to use their patio for expanded retail space, client waiting areas, outdoor workspace, or a curbside parklet managed by the business.
Insurance Requirement
The Third-Party Liability or Commercial General Liability insurance requirement has been reduced for many patios to lower the barrier for entry for small businesses.
Patio Type
2026 Minimum Insurance Requirement
Type A/B
$2 million
Type C/D (no liquor licence)
$2 million
Type C/D (with liquor licence)
$5 million
City funding
At this time, the City does not offer funding to assist businesses with the costs of starting or operating a patio. However, the Economic Development department is exploring the potential and aiming to have more information available in spring 2026.
DMRBIA Pilot Patio Improvement Program
New for 2026, the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA) has launched the Pilot Patio Improvement Program, which offers matching grants of up 50% of the actual cost of patio improvements to a maximum of $2,000 per patio area (excluding taxes).
Full program details are available on the DMRBIA website. Applications must be received by April 1, 2026.
We encourage you to check the Maple Ridge Business Finder to search for licensed companies who might be able to assist you. When you're purchasing goods or services for your patio, we encourage you to Choose Maple Ridge first!
Some of the folks we've worked with in the past include:
Patio furniture and décor items can be sourced from a variety of suppliers, including building supply and hardware stores, garden centres, specialty patio and outdoor living stores, and furniture stores. Some products marketed for residential use are also suitable for business or public outdoor use, but the City has no specific requirements for furnishings. If you see a business whose patio furniture you like, ask them where they found their furniture!
Some examples of furnishings that we've seen used on patios in Maple Ridge include:
No, you don’t need to have a formal agreement in place, but we do require you to connect with your neighbours and provide them with a Patio Neighbour letter that includes operating dates, contact information, and how to reach out to you with any concerns. Details are in the Application Form.
If you're looking to operate a patio extending wider than your own storefront, you will need to seek permission from that neighbouring business and/or property owner.
Maybe. You may wish to check with the property owner, property/strata manager, or strata council on any specific requirements for your location.
If you're looking to license your patio for liquor service, you will need to provide a Letter of Authorization from the property owner or strata council as part of your application to the City for an occupancy load calculation.
Yes, the City is committed to regularly reviewing the patio program to ensure it is meeting the needs of business owners, the community, and the City.
A program review was undertaken after the 2024 operating season, and adjustments were made for the 2025 season. Further program reviews will take place after the 2025 operating season and biannually thereafter (i.e., in odd-numbered years: 2027, 2029, 2031, and so on)
If you have questions or comments about the program, please email Patios@MapleRidge.ca.
Feel free to reach out! Send an email to Patios@MapleRidge.ca and we'll get back to you shortly.
