Planning Application Forms & Procedures

Zoning regulates the type and quantity of buildings that can go on any specified parcel of land. If you desire to use or develop land for a purpose or building that isn’t permitted, you can apply to have the property’s zoning changed through the rezoning process.

The Zoning Bylaw 7600-2019 contains regulations related to the use and development of land, including allowable density; parameters for the siting, size and height of buildings; and other specific requirements. All properties have a zoning designation that outlines the regulations for that zone. If a proposal involves changing the permitted uses or exceeding the maximum density for a development site, a rezoning application is required. 

Any zoning bylaw adopted by Council must be consistent with the City’s Official Community Plan (OCP) and the Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), or further amendments may be required. 

How to Make a Planning Application

Starting on July 26, 2023, the City of Maple Ridge will only accept a complete rezoning application at the application intake. A complete application should include all associated development applications (i.e. development permit, development variance permit, subdivision, etc.) along with the required detailed information and technical reports which are outlined in the Pre-Application Review Letter, Application Submission Checklist and Drawing Submission Details. This step is to streamline the development application review process and expedite housing construction in Maple Ridge. For more information, please see the June 13, 2023 Council report and the Final Reading Report, dated July 25, 2023.

Step One: Prepare Your Rezoning Application

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  • A Pre-Application Meeting is generally required prior to submitting a Development Application. Please submit the Pre-Application Meeting Request Form by emailing it to planning@mapleridge.ca or submitting it to the Planning Front Counter at City Hall.
  • Planning staff will review your application, provide an invoice for the Application Fee (payable online), and arrange for an appointment to review the development proposal with the applicant. 
  • For more complex pre-application discussions, Planning staff may request that you submit a Land Use Inquiry. Please submit fill out the Land Use Inquiry Application form found within the Land Use Inquiry Guide.

Step Two: Apply

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Submit a complete application along with associated development applications, and the required information and materials as outlined in the Pre-Application Review Letter and the Application Submission Checklist, and in accordance with the Drawing Submission Details.

Step Three: Application Processing Time

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Depending on the needs and complicity of the rezoning in question, it can take from four months to three years to complete the rezoning process.

External Reference Information 

Next Steps

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Building Permits

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Subdivison

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Engineering Development Review Process