Maple Ridge, B.C., August 6, 2024 – Maple Ridge has been updating bylaws and taking other steps to expand housing supply and affordability in line with provincial legislation, while continuing to focus on maintaining the community’s character and meeting the needs of residents.
Recent bylaw amendments required by provincial law will lead to a greater diversity of homes on some of Maple Ridge’s single-family and duplex lots that meet the requirements - including small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) such as secondary suites, detached garden suits, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.
This work aligns with other City housing initiatives to address supply and affordability, such as pre-approved site plans and streamlined application processing.
What are the changes?
In summary, the changes are:
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).
How will these changes impact Maple Ridge?
Over time, more units will be added to single-family neighbourhoods, offering more affordable and diverse housing options for our growing community. The degree and speed of change will depend on market uptake, economic conditions, and the type of housing that property owners wish to build.
This new legislation fundamentally changes how the City plans, considers and approves development and growth. However, the City continues to have control over the form and character of buildings through permits, and guidelines are in place for safeguarding the environment and protection from natural hazards.
Additionally, the City will continue to charge and use Development Cost Charges (DCCs) so that any new development contribute to the infrastructure that it requires.
Impact on property values and taxes
It is important to note that these changes are taking place across the province, not just in Maple Ridge.
Ultimately property values are influenced by numerous factors, including market conditions, neighbourhood desirability, economic trends, and individual property characteristics.
The assessed value of properties might change but property taxes will not necessarily increase due to the new housing legislation.
Development notifications
Most developments will not require rezoning applications, so advanced public notices will not be issued. However, the City’s building bylaws require a building permit card to be posted publicly on any property where building is taking place. A permit search based on address can be done through the City's website at MapleRidge.ca/eservices and clicking on 'Building Permit Inquiry'.
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To confirm a property’s zoning and eligibility or learn about exemptions, contact the City’s Planning Department at 604-467-7341 or at Planning@MapleRidge.ca.
For more information on these changes and how to apply, visit: MapleRidge.ca/NewHousingLegislation.
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