Secondary suites play a vital role in providing affordable housing in the City of Maple Ridge, benefiting both renters and homeowners alike. These are Maple Ridge homes/ house with 2 kitchens. If the secondary suite is legal and rented, the lenders will consider the income from the suite when qualifying buyers for a mortgage. These homes are commonly called Maple Ridge Homes/ Houses with mortgage helper.

In a recent development, at the April 26, 2022 Council Workshop, a report was presented to Council, outlining eleven regulatory options for accessory dwelling units, including secondary suites. These options aimed to bolster affordable housing options by expanding the rental stock within the community, leveraging existing infrastructure and amenities such as schools, parks, and shopping services.

Following the presentation, Council directed staff to prepare a detailed report outlining the amendments for ten out of the eleven recommendations. This proactive approach demonstrates the city’s commitment to addressing housing affordability issues and enhancing the availability of rental accommodations in Maple Ridge. Find the Counsel recommendations, which documents are required for a Secondary suite permit application, what Maple Ridge City services are available to you, what should you consider when designing a Maple Ridge Home/ House with suite, etc. on the City of Maple Ridge website.

On June 27, 2023, Council adopted Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7929-2023, to permit secondary suites and detached garden suites on the same lot in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

On September 27, 2022, Council adopted Zone Amending Bylaw No. 7857-2022, which proposed to remove the maximum and minimum gross floor area requirement for secondary suites as well as remove the minimum gross floor area requirement for detached garden suites. Secondary suites must not exceed 40% of the total Gross Floor Area of the building.

Maple Ridge Homes with suites – Summary Regulations

• Secondary suites are permitted only in designated zones outlined in the Zoning Bylaw. It’s essential to review and adhere to these regulations when considering the addition of a secondary suite.
• Secondary suites must be located within the same building as the single detached dwelling on the lot. They cannot be separate structures.
• The secondary suite’s total Gross Floor Area must not exceed 40% of the building’s total area. This regulation ensures that the primary dwelling remains the principal component of the property.
• Secondary suites are prohibited from being situated within designated Floodplain Areas to mitigate risks associated with flooding.
• Secondary suites are intended for long-term residential use and are not permitted for short-term or vacation rentals. This regulation aims to maintain the stability and integrity of residential neighbourhoods.
• Secondary suites are not allowed on lots where other uses such as Bed and Breakfast establishments, Boarding facilities, or Detached Garden Suites are present. Additionally, they are not permitted in areas designated for Temporary Residential, Caretaker Residential, or Two-Unit Residential uses.

For more information about Maple Ridge Homes/ Houses with suites (Homes with Mortgage helper) check Maple Ridge city bylaws.