Maple Ridge expands online permit portal with occupancy and patio applications
The City of Maple Ridge has expanded its online building permit portal, allowing builders, developers, businesses and residents to apply digitally for occupancy permits and seasonal patio permits as part of its ongoing effort to streamline development approvals.
The two new services bring the total number of permit types available through the city’s Online Building Permit Portal to nine, enabling applicants to submit applications, upload documents, track progress and respond to requests for additional information online.
City officials say the expansion is another step in Maple Ridge’s Development Services Optimization (DSO) program, an initiative aimed at digitizing permit processes, improving customer service and making development approvals more predictable.
“Every new service we bring online makes it easier for customers to do business with the City,” Mayor Dan Ruimy said. “These new online options support both housing and local business activity by making important permit processes more accessible and easier to navigate.”
Occupancy permits represent the final stage of the construction process, confirming that a newly built or renovated building complies with building codes and permit requirements and is safe for occupancy.
Applicants can now submit occupancy permit applications online, upload supporting documents, receive status updates and respond to city requests through the portal.
The city has also moved its seasonal patio permit program online, giving eligible businesses a guided digital application process. Businesses proposing patios that temporarily impact a roadway will automatically be directed to obtain a highway use permit before completing their patio application.
The latest additions continue the city’s broader push to modernize development services. According to the city, the DSO program has reduced new home permit processing times by 73 percent since it was introduced.
“Our goal is to make working with the City as simple and predictable as possible,” said James Stiver, the city’s director of planning and building. “Every improvement we make — whether it’s a new online permit, a streamlined workflow, or behind-the-scenes system upgrades — helps us deliver better service while supporting new investment and economic growth in Maple Ridge.”
The city also announced scheduled maintenance for the online portal during the early morning hours of Aug. 10 to prepare the system for future complex building permit applications. Officials said existing user accounts, applications and submitted documents will not be affected, and current permit application processes will remain unchanged.
The nine permit types available through the online portal include new home construction, tenant improvements, demolitions, engineering service reviews, highway use permits, pre-application reviews, home improvements, seasonal patio permits and occupancy permits.
The city said future phases of the DSO program will expand online services to planning applications, including official community plan amendments, rezonings, development permits, development variance permits and subdivision applications.
The online expansion comes as Maple Ridge continues to position itself for significant residential and commercial growth, with city officials emphasizing faster permit processing and digital services as key tools for supporting new housing and investment.
