City Launches Online Pre-Application Reviews and Highway Use Permits

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Pre-Application Reviews and Highway Use Permits Are Now Online

Maple Ridge, B.C., March 16, 2026 – The City has added Pre-Application Reviews and Highway Use Permits to its online building permit application portal, making it easier for builders, developers, and contractors to complete key early steps before submitting formal applications.

The addition of these services to the growing set of all-online permit applications builds on the City’s ongoing work to modernize development approvals, improve turnaround times, set clear expectations, and create a more customer-focused experience while maintaining regulatory compliance and safety.

"We are committed to making our building permit process clear, efficient and accessible for all builders and developers," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "Bringing all of our building processes online is critical work that supports housing delivery, future investment, and day-to-day construction activities happening in our rapidly growing city."

Pre-Application Reviews Now Available Online

Pre-Application Reviews helps complex development project applicants with early identification of key requirements and potential issues, such as applicable bylaws, approvals, servicing expectations, studies, and submission standards.

"Pre-Application Reviews are one of the most effective ways to set projects up for success," said James Stiver, Director of Planning and Building.  "Putting these applications online helps developers and builders with clear and simple guidance and direction early in the process, which will improve the quality of submissions and support more efficient reviews to get applications and projects moving forward"

Highway Use Permits Support Safe Construction Activity

Highway Use Permits allow construction activity to occur safely within the roadway, including traffic management and temporary impacts to travel lanes, sidewalks and curb access. Through the online portal, applicants can upload documents in one place, save progress and return later, track permit status and respond to requests for information.

Online-Only Applications Begin May 1

Pre-Application Reviews (MapleRidge.ca/PAR) and Highway Use Permits (MapleRidge.ca/HUP) add to the City's online permit application types including:

Starting May 1, 2026, the City will only accept online applications for all building permit types available through the portal.

Applicants can learn more about the requirements for construction projects and access the online building portal at MapleRidge.ca/Build.

Since its implementation, the Development Services Optimization (DSO) program has significantly streamlined Maple Ridge building processes, including a 73% reduction in processing times for new home construction permits which are now targeting 12 weeks or less. To learn more, visit  MapleRidge.ca/DSO.

Supporting Housing Growth and Community Investment

Modernization efforts are helping Maple Ridge exceed its provincial housing targets. The City has already surpassed the 2025 target by 23 per cent, with 751 net new homes built over the past year.

With 16,700 residential lots available, the streamlined permit portal is seen as a key tool to accelerate approvals and help Maple Ridge meet its 2029 target of 3,954 new homes.

More than 150 rezoning applications and 450 building permit applications are currently underway, supported by strategic initiatives such as the Maple Ridge Moves plan, which guides investments in road, transportation and infrastructure projects including the Abernethy widening, the 240 Street bridge, and future bus rapid transit on Lougheed Highway.

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Media Contact:

Pardeep Purewal
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Engagement
T: 604 466 4319  E: Media@MapleRidge.ca