Maple Ridge, B.C., October 31, 2024 – Maple Ridge has launched a new digital tool that will transform the building permit process for new homes, commercial spaces and other amenities.
The introduction of online submissions marks the City’s first step towards a fully digital permit system that is expected to save customers time while providing a more user-friendly experience. The initial rollout will focus on improvements for commercial tenants, expanding to other permit types in 2025.
“Moving to a digital system is a key step forward and part of our comprehensive plan to streamline approvals for new homes and doing business in Maple Ridge," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "We're not only speeding up the approval process but also enhancing transparency and communication to deliver efficient, high-quality service to our community."
Commercial tenants who want to renovate and improve their leased spaces can now submit all documents and plans required for permits online. This process simplifies and reduces delays with efficient and seamless online submissions, communications, approvals, document sharing and management. Other benefits include detailed online markups and reports that reduce revisions, and document security with validated Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) seals. Learn more at MapleRidge.ca/CommercialRenovation.
Optimizing Development Services
The City will roll out online submissions for other building permit types over time, eventually offering a fully digital permitting process.
The project is part of a comprehensive City-wide review and modernization of development and building permit processes. The goal is to speed up and simplify approvals for housing and other community needs while ensuring compliance with standards and regulations to demonstrate the City is Business Ready. The updates intend to automate time-consuming work, streamline processes, reduce steps, clarify guidelines, and increase the overall transparency of the process.
Business Ready Initiatives approved by Council or now in progress include:
· Certified Professional Program: An innovative program allowing developers to hire their own experts to check for Building Code compliance and accelerate the permit process while maintaining safety and high construction standards.
· Development Concierge Program: The first of its kind in BC, offering an enhanced level of application coordination and support service for priority development applications such as affordable housing and industrial projects, and a dedicated point of contact to help applicants navigate through the process.
· Customer Experience Project: Standardizing and improving benchmarks for customer service.
· Revamped Website with E-Services Hub: Redesigning the website to make it easier for businesses and residents to access information and services.
“We will continue to drive these and other innovative projects forward and will be doing more to communicate our actions and improvements,” added Mayor Ruimy. “With the launch of online permit submissions and ongoing enhancements, the City is committed to ensuring a smoother, faster, and more transparent experience for all applicants.”
Demonstrating Results
The City’s efforts are showing positive results. To date in 2024 over 3400 building permits have been submitted and the Tenant Improvement permits backlog has been eliminated.
For more information about online permit applications and other building permit process improvements, visit MapleRidge.ca/Building or contact the Building, Development and Planning Services Department at BuildingEnquiries@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media Contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement T 604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca