Maple Ridge, B.C., March 8, 2024– The City of Maple Ridge is making changes to comply with the Province’s Bill 44 which no longer requires public hearings for residential development applications.
Provincial Changes to Requirements for Public Hearings
As part of the Province's broader housing initiatives, Bill 44 introduces changes to the Local Government Act that are intended to streamline housing delivery, services, and infrastructure for growing communities in British Columbia.
To comply with Bill 44, public hearings can no longer be held for:
- Residential rezoning applications consistent with the City’s Official Community Plan
- Mixed-use projects consistent with the Official Community Plan, where at least 50% of the project is residential
- Amendments to the zoning bylaw facilitating small scale multi-unit housing (e.g., laneway homes, triplexes, fourplexes, sixplexes)
Bill 44 is applicable to any residential rezoning application that has not received first reading prior to November 30, 2023.
Ongoing Commitment to Transparency
These legislative changes represent a broad transformation in housing planning and development throughout British Columbia, including Maple Ridge. The City is working on a communications strategy to ensure the development community and residents are informed about these changes and their implications for the community's growth.
Although the number of public hearings will be reduced, the City remains committed to transparency and public engagement. In addition to requiring developers to display onsite development application signage, the City will continue to notify the public of proposed zoning changes through mailing notifications to residents living within 50m and posting notices on the City's website.
Public hearings will continue to be held in specific circumstances, including:
- Non-residential developments (such as commercial and industrial rezonings)
- Amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP)
- Zoning bylaw changes inconsistent with the OCP
- Heritage revitalization agreements
When required, public hearings are generally scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
For more information on City of Maple Ridge Public Hearings, visit mapleridge.ca/790/Meeting-Descriptions. Residents with questions or concerns can reach out to clerks@mapleridge.ca
To learn more about the provincial legislation changes and their relation to the Province’s housing plans, visit the Province of BC’s Local Government Housing Initiatives page.
For additional information, contact
Amanda Grochowich, Manager of Community Planning
T 604 467 7493
E agrochowich@mapleridge.ca