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When it comes to hot button issues in Maple Ridge, secondary suites top the list with neighbours complaining about illegal suites, building code compliance and parking problems.
In 1999, Maple Ridge council amended its zoning bylaw to allow secondary suites in a limited number of single family residential zones with minimum lot areas of 557m2 or greater.
The goal was to help provide affordable rental housing within the District, with the recognition at that time that there were many unauthorized suites in Maple Ridge.
Since 1999, Council has approved additional policies and regulations that allow temporary residential accommodation for family members and detached garden suites.
But illegal suites continue to be an issue, creating significant neighbourhood concerns. At the same time developers and builders are in favour of the District allowing secondary suites in zones with smaller lot areas.
To address all of these issues, Council has asked staff to review current secondary suites and temporary residential uses policies and regulations and identify a comprehensive list of issues and potential solutions.
In September and October as part of this review, staff will host focus groups, workshops and open houses for local developers, builders, community associations and residents.
Maple Ridge is hoping this consultation process will provide a wide range of opportunities for input.
Maple Ridge REALTORS® interested in participating should check the Maple Ridge website at www.mapleridge.ca. Dates and times of workshops and focus groups will be posted later this summer.
If you have questions, please contact Harriet Permut, Manager, Government Relations at [email protected].
© Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
