Bill 44 Active — Bylaw 7998-2024 Adopted June 25, 2024 | Updated March 2026
Maple Ridge SSMUH Multiplex & Gentle Density Guide
Maple Ridge's Bill 44 implementation introduced "Urban Infill Residential" as a new use category across existing residential zones, enabling up to 6 units near West Coast Express stations with zero parking in Prescribed Bus Stop Areas.
Maple Ridge's SSMUH Zoning Framework
On June 25, 2024, Maple Ridge Council adopted Bylaw 7998-2024, amending the master Zoning Bylaw No. 7600-2019 to comply with BC's Bill 44 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation.
Rather than creating entirely new zones, Maple Ridge took a unique approach by adding an "Urban Infill Residential" use category (Section 402.29) to existing residential zones. This streamlined implementation preserves the existing zoning structure while enabling small-scale multi-unit housing across the city.
Maple Ridge needs approximately 28,000 new homes by 2041 and is growing at twice the national average, making SSMUH a critical tool for increasing housing supply. The city has committed $117 million in capital projects planned for 2026 to support growth and infrastructure.
To be eligible for SSMUH, properties must have City water and sewer service and be located within Maple Ridge's Urban Area. The city hosted a public Open House on March 6, 2025 at the Maple Ridge Library to engage the community on SSMUH and Transit-Oriented Area requirements.
Maple Ridge continues to update its regulatory framework. As of early 2026, Council is considering Zoning Bylaw No. 8083-2025 and Zone Amending Bylaw No. 8056-2025 as part of ongoing compliance with provincial housing legislation. The city's Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw are also being updated to reflect projected housing needs and adopted strategies, a process that extends into 2026.
Unit Allowances by Lot Size
| Lot Size | Location | Max Units |
|---|---|---|
| < 281 m2 (3,024 sq ft) | Any eligible lot in the Urban Area | 3 units |
| 281 m2 - 4,050 m2 (43,594 sq ft) | Outside Prescribed Bus Stop Area | 4 units |
| ≥ 281 m2 | Within 400 m of a bus stop with frequent service | 6 units |
All lots must have City water and sewer service and be within Maple Ridge's Urban Area. Source: City of Maple Ridge SSMUH Page
Urban Infill Residential: Maple Ridge's Unique Approach
Maple Ridge implemented SSMUH by creating a new "Urban Infill Residential" use category under Section 402.29, rather than replacing existing zones. This approach layers SSMUH permissions onto a wide range of existing residential zones:
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
Standard residential zones
RS-1, RS-1a/b/c/d
Single-family residential variants
RS-2, SRS
Suburban residential zones
RT-1
Two-family residential
RG
Garden residential
Additional Zones
Other eligible residential designations
Maple Ridge SSMUH Regulation Snapshot
Parking Requirements
- Principal units: 1.5 spaces per unit
- Accessory units: 1.0 space per unit
- Prescribed Bus Stop Areas: NO minimum parking required
Setbacks (R-4 Zone Example)
- Front yard: 6.0 m
- Rear yard: 6.0 m
- Interior side: 1.5 m
- Exterior side: 3.0 m
See Zoning Bylaw No. 7600-2019 for zone-specific regulations.
Building Height
- Maximum height: 8.0 m (R-4 zone)
- Height limits vary by zone under Bylaw 7600-2019
Housing Forms
- Duplexes with secondary suites
- Triplexes and fourplexes
- Coach houses and garden suites
- Six-unit multiplexes (near frequent transit)
Transit-Oriented Areas: West Coast Express & Transit Exchange
Maple Ridge's three Transit-Oriented Areas unlock higher density (up to 6 units) and zero parking requirements for eligible lots. The city's West Coast Express commuter rail connections provide direct service to downtown Vancouver, making these areas prime candidates for SSMUH development.
Port Haney Station
West Coast Express commuter rail
Up to 6 units within 400 m of prescribed bus stops
Maple Meadows Station
West Coast Express commuter rail
Up to 6 units within 400 m of prescribed bus stops
Haney Place Transit Exchange
Major bus transit hub
Up to 6 units within 400 m of prescribed bus stops
Exemptions & Special Considerations
- Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR): Properties within the ALR are excluded from full SSMUH density allowances
- Lots greater than 4,050 m2 (1 acre) are exempt from SSMUH
- Properties subject to hazard areas, environmental constraints, or heritage protections may have restricted eligibility
- City water and sewer service required: Lots not connected to municipal water and sewer are not eligible for SSMUH
- Property must be located within Maple Ridge's designated Urban Area
How VanPlex Supports Maple Ridge SSMUH Projects
Concept to Permit
We coordinate architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure your Maple Ridge SSMUH project aligns with the Urban Infill Residential use category under Bylaw 7600-2019. From six-unit multiplexes near WCE stations to fourplex configurations, we handle the regulatory complexity.
Feasibility Analysis
Comprehensive analysis of your Maple Ridge lot's SSMUH potential, including zone classification, Prescribed Bus Stop Area eligibility, unit configurations, ALR status, and pro forma projections.
Request Your Maple Ridge SSMUH Feasibility
Share your Maple Ridge address to receive a tailored analysis including your zone eligibility, unit allowance, parking requirements, transit proximity, and development pro forma.
Getting Started with Maple Ridge SSMUH
Before beginning your Maple Ridge SSMUH project, follow these steps:
- Use Maple Ridge's Urban Infill Unit Locator interactive map to confirm your lot's eligibility and unit allowance
- Check if your lot is within a Prescribed Bus Stop Area near Port Haney Station, Maple Meadows Station, or Haney Place Transit Exchange for 6-unit and zero-parking eligibility
- Verify your property is not within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), which restricts full SSMUH density
- Review site-specific constraints including easements, environmental considerations, and servicing requirements
- Confirm your zone's specific setback, height, and lot coverage regulations under Zoning Bylaw No. 7600-2019
Contact Maple Ridge Planning: For zoning questions, call 604-467-7341 or email Planning@MapleRidge.ca. Visit in person at 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9.
Official Maple Ridge SSMUH Resources
Maple Ridge SSMUH Page
Official overview, Bylaw 7998-2024, and implementation details
Provincial Housing Legislation
Bill 44, Bill 47, and new provincial housing requirements
Urban Infill Unit Locator (Map Tool)
Interactive map to check your lot's SSMUH eligibility and unit allowance
Community Housing Planning
Housing strategy, needs reports, and growth planning
Building Permits
Permit applications, requirements, and process information
Planning & Land Use
Zoning maps, development applications, and planning services
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