Recent bylaw amendments required by provincial law will help to expand housing supply and affordability.
The City of Maple Ridge has updated the bylaws for eligible single-family and duplex lots to allow for increased density and new housing types. The changes include:
Density: More units can now be built on a single property
Building height: Adjusted limits on how tall buildings can be
Setbacks: Changes to the distance buildings must be from property lines
Parking: New parking requirements
Lot Coverage: Adjusted rules on the amount of buildable space on a lot
Eligible single-family and duplex lots can now have up to three, four, or six units of small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH), provided they meet all zoning, bylaw, and building code requirements.
SSMUH includes a variety of housing options that are more affordable and diverse. Examples include but are not limited to:
secondary suites
detached accessory
dwelling units (ADUs), like garden suites or coach houses
duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes
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These changes aim to address housing supply and affordability. They align with the Province’s new housing legislation and its Homes for People Housing Action Plan, and with the City’s Housing Action Plan.
Up to three, four or six units of SSMUH are now permitted on single-family and duplex lots that have City water and sewer service and are within Maple Ridge’s Urban Area.
In most cases, only three units are permitted on lots that are under 281 m2 (3,024 ft2), and up to four units are permitted on lots that are 281 m2 to 4,050 m2 (43,594 ft2), subject to meeting BC Building Code standards and other municipal bylaw requirements.
To qualify for up to six units, lots must be at least 281 m2. (3,024 ft2) and within 400 m of a bus stop that provides frequent service (i.e., buses arrive at least every 15 minutes on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
To allow for these additional units as required by provincial legislation, the City has updated land-use controls in its bylaws, such as density (number of units on a property), building height, setbacks (distance of buildings from property line), parking, and lot coverage (buildable space on a lot).
Community Impacts
Redevelopment depends on property eligibility, the owner’s choice to build, market conditions, and compliance with bylaws, zoning, and building codes.
Yes, the City will continue to have form and character development permits and enforce guidelines for environmental protection and hazard prevention.
The City will charge Development Cost Charges (DCCs) to builders so that new development contributes to the infrastructure it requires.
The City’s Maple Ridge Moves transportation plan is taking action to expand our road infrastructure, make room for more public transit and build a strong economy as our population grows. Learn more at MapleRidge.ca/move.
Building Requirements
Contact the Planning Department for details on a specific property.
Properties are not allowed to have SSMUH if they are:
Not zoned for single family or duplex use
Not serviced by water or sewer
Subject to a natural hazard
Outside Maple Ridge's Urban Area
For a complete list, contact the Planning Department.
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Yes, a building permit is required. Construction must comply with the BC Building Code and all relevant bylaws and regulations, including the City’s Building Bylaw.
Most developments under the new rules do not require public notice but a building permit must be obtained and posted visibly on the property. A permit search based on address can be done through the City's website at MapleRidge.ca/eservices and clicking on 'Building Permit Inquiry'.
Single-family, duplex, triplex, and fourplex units require a minimum of 1.5 spaces per principal dwelling unit and 1 space per accessory dwelling unit.
There are no minimum parking requirements for eligible lots in Prescribed Bus Stop Areas (frequent bus service with buses arriving at least every 15 minutes on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Maximum height for single-family, duplex, triplex, and fourplex dwellings is approximately 2 to 3 stories. Contact the Planning Department for details regarding a specific property.
Please contact the Planning Department to learn more about what may be allowed on your property. When ready, please complete a Pre-Application Meeting Request Form. The Pre-Application Meeting fee is currently complementary. Through this process, it will be confirmed what types of housing and regulations you should be aware of.
This meeting will confirm what types of housing may be allowed on the subject property and discuss other development and building considerations, including road dedication and variance or development permits.
Financial Impacts
Property values depend on various factors, including market conditions, location, and property characteristics.
Property tax changes depend on how your property value changes relative to the City average.
This meeting will confirm what types of housing may be allowed on the subject property and discuss other development and building considerations, including road dedication and variance or development permits.
