Maple Ridge, B.C., January 6, 2026 – Maple Ridge updated its development procedures and parking regulations in December as part of its ongoing work to support new housing and amenities and prepare the community for the future.
At its Dec. 16 meeting, Council approved a new Development Procedures Bylaw and Off-Street Parking and Loading Bylaw that modernize the approval processes for development applications and requirements for parking in new developments. Together, these changes will streamline processes, improve transparency, and better support sustainable growth in our rapidly growing community.
“The procedures and requirements that used to work for Maple Ridge are no longer up to the task of meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow,” Mayor Dan Ruimy said. “Over the past several years, we’ve been updating bylaws and making other bold changes to keep pace with community needs and put the building blocks in place for a vibrant future. Coupled with that work, we are rigorously advocating for sustainable senior government funding for the infrastructure we need to support our growing community.”
Streamlined Development Procedures
The new Development Procedures Bylaw, which replaces several outdated bylaws dating back as far as 1984, now consolidates and updates the City’s development processes into one comprehensive and easy-to-navigate framework and better aligns with industry best practices.
The updated procedures maintain Council oversight on significant development decisions while introducing clearer rules, more predictable timelines, and streamlined approvals for low-impact projects.
Key improvements include:
- A quicker, clearer pre-application review process that coordinates feedback from all City departments;
- Exemption from pre-application reviews for low-impact subdivisions creating up to three new lots, film permits, and residential infill (new housing in existing neighbourhoods);
- Empowering staff to approve low-impact applications that meet clear eligibility criteria, with continuing oversight from Council;
- Allowing development applications more opportunities for extensions;
- Clearly defining the notification areas for development variance permits; and
- Waiving public hearings for industrial and commercial applications that are consistent with the Official Community Plan, while maintaining Council and staff’s discretion to request them when appropriate.
The bylaw replaces the Development Procedures Bylaw (2000), Development Permit Delegation Bylaw (2007), Minor Development Variance Permit Delegation Bylaw (2023), and Public Hearing Bylaw (1984).
“For developers, these changes will mean greater clarity, faster decision-making, and more certainty early in the process,” said James Stiver, Director of Planning and Building. “By clearly defining when applications can be approved at the staff level and simplifying pre-application requirements, we’re reducing the administration associated with low-impact projects, while ensuring that more complex proposals continue to receive appropriate Council consideration.”
Updated Parking Requirements
The new Off-Street Parking and Loading Bylaw upgrades regulations that have been in place since 1990 with new regulations that reflect current best practices across Metro Vancouver, including new and enhanced greener transportation options and modern vehicle trends and requirements.
The changes, which followed a comprehensive review process and consultation with the development community, align with the City’s Climate Action Plan, Strategic Transportation Plan, and strategic priorities for housing affordability, economic development, and environmental stewardship.
Key features include:
- Reduced minimum parking requirements in transit-oriented areas such as the Town Centre and Lougheed Transit Corridor;
- Enhanced requirements for bicycle parking and electric vehicle charging;
- Updated space dimensions and aisle widths to better accommodate modern vehicles; and
- Policies that support efficient land use and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Applicants who had development proposals in process before Dec. 16, 2025 may choose to proceed under either the previous parking regulations or the new bylaw.
More Information
For more information about the Development Procedures Bylaw No. 8081-2025 and the Maple Ridge Off-Street Parking and Loading Bylaw No. 7970-2023, visit MapleRidge.ca/Bylaws or contact the City of Maple Ridge Planning Department at Planning@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
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