HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 Development Permit Area Guidelines
Chapter 8
Development
Permit Area
Guidelines
Development Permit Areas
Application and Intent
Justification
Development Permit Area Exemptions
DP Guidelines for:
Commercial Industrial
Multi-Family Residential Intensive Residential
Watercourse Protection Natural Features
Town Centre Wildfire
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 1
8.1 DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREAS
PRINCIPLES
A number of principles have been identffied to provide an overall context and guidance for development.
They are multf-faceted in nature and provide a framework for the Development Permit Area Guidelines of the
Official Community Plan. These principles reflect the values of the community highlighted through numerous
community workshops and the Community Visioning Sessions held in Spring 2006.
Principle 4
The community recognizes that components of the built and natural environments contribute to the
character of Maple Ridge and sense of community, and in turn, ‘placemaking’.
Principle 8
Unique and enjoyable communitfes and places are created through community improvements,
quality design, less obtrusive signage, pedestrian friendly environments, accessibility and viewscapes.
Principle 16
The Downtown is a very important part of Maple Ridge and would benefit from a variety of planning
and design actfvitfes that improve its role as a key community node.
Principle 17
Maple Ridge views the promotfon of economic development (jobs) as being very important to
developing a balanced community – one that is not a dormitory suburb.
INTENT
Sectfon 919.1 of the Local Government Act RSBC 1996 allows municipalitfes to designate Development
Permit Areas to create special requirements for certain forms of development, including the form and
character of intensive residentfal, commercial, industrial or multf-family residentfal development, and
for the protectfon of natural features and ecologically significant land. A Development Permit Area is
intended to address special development circumstances, and if a property is within a Development
Permit Area, certain types of development actfvity cannot proceed without a Development Permit
being issued by Council.
Chapter 8, Page 2 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Principle 18
Economic development is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach, addressing
transportatfon, housing, the downtown, marketfng, incentfves and policy.
Principle 19
There is value in identffying new lands for commercial and industrial uses to secure locatfons for
future employment that will help to create a balanced community. Citfzens prefer locatfons where
commercial and industrial actfvitfes ‘fit’ within the community context.
Principle 22
Initfatfves such as providing more shopping opportunitfes and emphasizing smaller stores, local
merchants and better use of existfng areas (no strip malls, concentrate in commercial nodes, etc.) are
supported because they are central to achieving a balanced community.
Principle 23
The community values the protectfon of environmentally sensitfve areas including, water (for its
intrinsic value, habitat and aquifer recharge), areas of natural beauty, forests, etc.
Principle 33
Amenitfes and design are valued as being integral to development.
Principle 35
Respect for the landscapes of Maple Ridge should shape community design, contributfng to sense of
place and better fit with landforms.
Principle 45
Citfzens value a pedestrian friendly environment that includes a trail network for horses, walking and
cycling for recreatfon and access to amenitfes, employment, and services.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 3
8.2 APPLICATION AND INTENT
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREAS
Maple Ridge designates the following as Development Permit Areas:
1. Commercial Development Permit pursuant to Sectfon 919.1(1)(f) of the Local Government Act for the
form and character of lands designated Commercial on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan or for
lands designated Commercial in an Area Plan;
2. Industrial Development Permit pursuant to Sectfon 919.1(1)(f) of the Local Government Act for the form
and character of lands designated Industrial on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan or for lands
designated Industrial in an Area Plan;
3. Multf-Family Residentfal Development Permit pursuant to Sectfon 919.1(1)(f) of the Local Government
Act for form and character of multf-family developments on lands designated Urban Residentfal on
Schedule B of the Official Community Plan or for lands designated for multf-family development in an
Area Plan;
4. Intensive Residentfal Development Permit pursuant to Sectfon 919.1(1)(e) of the Local Government Act
for form and character for single detached intensive residentfal developments on lands designated Urban
Residentfal on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan or for lands designated for intensive residentfal
development in an Area Plan; and
BACKGROUND
Development Permit is a practfcal approach for directfng development in accordance with community
values. To meet this objectfve, a Development Permit will be required for all rezoning, subdivision of
land, or constructfon, additfon to or alteratfon of a building or other structures as it pertains to multf-
family residentfal, intensive residentfal, commercial, and industrial development. A Development
Permit will also be required prior to subdivision of land, constructfon, additfon to, or alteratfon of a
building or other structure, alteratfon of land, disturbance of vegetatfon, soil deposit or removal, or any
other development of actfvity that would disturb lands designated Conservatfon on Schedules B or C of
the Official Community Plan, or watercourse identffied on Schedule C.
Chapter 8, Page 4 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5. Natural Features Development Permit pursuant to Sectfon 919.1(1)(a) of the Local Government Act for
the preservatfon, protectfon, restoratfon and enhancement of the natural environment for lands
designated Conservatfon on Schedule B and Schedule C of the Official Community Plan or for lands within
50 metres of the top-of-bank of a watercourse or wetland identffied on Schedule C Natural Features of
the Official Community Plan.
6. Town Centre Development Permit pursuant to Sectfons 919.1(1)(f) of the Local Government Act for
property within the Town Centre as identffied on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan. The Town
Centre Development Permit applies to Ground Oriented Multf-Family, Medium and High-Rise Apartment,
Low-Rise Apartment, Flexible Mixed Use, Town Centre Commercial, Port Haney Heritage Adaptfve Use,
and Port Haney Multf-Family, Commercial and Mixed Use land use designatfons and development.
7. Wildfire Development Permit pursuant to Sectfon 919.1(1)(b) of the Local Government Act for the
protectfon of development from hazardous conditfons on designated lands as identffied on Map 1:
Wildfire Development Permit Area.
7101-2014
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 5
8.3 JUSTIFICATION
The Development Permit Guidelines support the goals, objectfves, and policies of the Official Community
Plan. They outline the District’s expectatfons and vision of future growth, and provide guidance regarding
form and character of development for the community. The Guidelines are established and supported based
on the principles identffied by the Community, and are intended to preserve and enhance the valued
elements of the community’s physical resources and to introduce new elements that promote:
a compact, complete and unique community;
stable and livable neighbourhoods;
community character and identfty, including the historic communitfes;
a high standard of livability, for both residentfal and non-residentfal areas;
a high standard of development, incorporatfng basic design elements for site planning, building
massing, building practfces, quality of materials, and energy efficient building practfces;
a high quality public realm, including public streets and lanes, parks and other open spaces, publicly
accessible spaces on private developments, and the form of buildings adjacent to public spaces; and
protectfon of natural features and ecologically significant areas.
The guidelines identffy general development criteria for new development and form the basis for the
preparatfon and approval of development proposals. They are encouraged to be reviewed for design intent
and ratfonale as they will be taken into consideratfon for approval of Development Permit applicatfons. At
the discretfon of Council, certain guidelines may be waived.
In certain cases, these guidelines are surpassed by more detailed guidelines outlined in Area Plans adopted by
the District of Maple Ridge. In the event of a conflict between the Development Permit Guidelines and those
contained in Area Plans adopted by the District, the latter shall apply.
In the event of a conflict between the Development Permit Guidelines and regulatfons outlined in the District
of Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw No. 3510 – 1985, the latter shall take precedent.
Chapter 8, Page 6 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
8.4 DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
EXEMPTIONS
1. A Development Permit is not required for any of the following:
a) Single Detached Residentfal dwelling units other than in the case of Development Permits for the
protectfon of farming, natural environment, or Intensive Residentfal developments;
b) Internal renovatfon not resultfng in any change to the external appearance of the building;
c) Additfons or external alteratfons to an existfng building or structure which do not significantly impact
the external appearance of the building because they are compatfble in terms of material, colours,
form and character with the existfng development, provided such work is not on lands within 50
metres of the top-of-bank of any watercourse or wetland. Generally, this applies to renovatfons with
a total value of less than $25,000 or for additfons 100 m2 (1,076 ft2) or less that are consistent with
the Development Permit Guidelines;
d) Site improvements for such as landscaping, paving, and access paths, with a total value of less than
$25,000, provided such work is not within 50 metres of the top-of-bank of any watercourse or
wetland and that the work is compatfble with the Development Permit Guidelines;
e) Constructfon of an accessory building or structure with a floor area of less than 45 m2 (484 ft2)
provided such structure is not on lands within 50 metres of the top-of-bank of any watercourse or
wetland.
f) Replacement of an existfng sign subject to an existfng Development Permit or Development Permit
Guidelines.
g) Subdivision for the purpose of lot consolidatfon, lot line adjustment, or road widening to meet
District standards.
h) Any servicing work undertaken by or on behalf of the District of Maple Ridge, in accordance with
senior agency approval.
i) Exterior building envelope repairs covered under the Homeowner Protection Act, SBC 1998.
j) A property with an approved Temporary Use Permit.
k) Alteratfons to a heritage building protected through a heritage designatfon, provided that the building is
subject to a Heritage Revitalizatfon Agreement bylaw that has received final reading from Council, or a
Heritage Alteratfon Permit that has received final approval.
2. A Natural Features Development Permit is not required for:
a) Development servicing within the watercourse protectfon area that is in support of accepted
subdivision geometry or building permit and that requires approval from the Ministry of Environment
under the authority of the Water Act and/or the Department of Fisheries and Oceans under the
authority of the Fisheries Act. These servicing works include, but are not limited to, proposed
watercourse crossings, retaining walls, culvert placements and stormwater discharge sites.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 7
b) For building permits issued for buildings or structures in single detached residentfal zones where the
building or structure is setback two tfmes the required yard of the zone adjacent to the watercourse
protectfon area.
c) For building permits issued for buildings or structures in single detached residentfal zone where the
building or structure is setback two tfmes the required yard setback of the zone adjacent to the
watercourse protectfon area
d) For any servicing work undertaken by or on behalf of the District of Maple Ridge, in accordance with
senior agency approval.
3. A Development Permit is not required for fill actfvitfes that are regulated by a valid permit under the
Maple Ridge Soil Deposit Regulatfon Bylaw No. 5763-1999.
4. A Wildfire Development Permit is not required under the following circumstances:
a) For an additfon or renovatfon to any existfng building in the municipality where the value of
the work indicated on the building permit applicatfon does not exceed 50% of the assessed
value of the improvements on the property on the date of the building permit applicatfon.
For the purposes of this sectfon the value of the building on the date of the building permit
applicatfon is deemed to be the value as shown on the most recent assessment, by the Britfsh
Columbia Assessment Authority, where such an assessment is available.
b) For interior renovatfons to an existfng lawfully constructed, or legally non-conforming,
building or structure wholly contained within, and not projectfng beyond, the foundatfon.
c) For a single family home or a subdivision resultfng in the creatfon of not more than two
residentfal lots. A restrictfve covenant detailing building design and landscaping
requirements will be required for these types of developments within the Wildfire
Development Permit Area.
d) For non-residentfal farm buildings, located on lands where a farm use is being practfced, as
defined in the Agricultural Land Reserve Use, Subdivision and Procedure Regulatfon B.C. Reg.
171/2002 or its successor, provided that they are sited at least 10 metres away from any
residentfal building(s) and wildfire interface. If within 10 metres, then a restrictfve covenant
detailing building design and landscaping requirements will be required for these types of
developments within the Wildfire Development Permit Area.
e) For public works and services and maintenance actfvitfes carried out by, or on behalf of, the
City.
f) For any constructfon of a building or structure or any alteratfon of land that does not require
a permit from the City.
7187-2015
Chapter 8, Page 8 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
8.5 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT AREA GUIDELINES
8.5.1 KEY GUIDELINE CONCEPTS
Applicatfons for Development Permits will be assessed against the following key guideline concepts:
1. Avoid conflicts with adjacent uses through sound attenuatfon, appropriate lightfng, landscaping, traffic
calming and the transitfon of building massing to fit with adjacent development.
2. Encourage a pedestrian scale through providing outdoor amenitfes, minimizing the visual impact of
parking areas, creatfng landmarks and visual interest along street fronts.
3. Promote sustainable development with multfmodal transportatfon circulatfon, and low impact building
design.
INTENT
The Development Permit Area is designated under Sectfon 919.1(1) of the Local Government Act to
establish guidelines for the form and character of commercial development. The purpose of the
Commercial Development permit is to foster attractfve commercial areas that are compatfble with
adjacent development and enhance the unique character of the community.
A Commercial Development Permit is required for all new development on land designated
Commercial on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan or adopted Area Plan, other than in those
circumstances indicated in Sectfon 8.3 Development Permit Exemptfons. In additfon, where 100%
residentfal development is proposed in Commercial designatfons, Multf-Family Development Permit
Guidelines shall apply. The following form and character guidelines apply to all commercial
developments.
These guidelines are supplemented by the more detailed guidelines outlined in Area Plans adopted by
the District of Maple Ridge. In the event of a conflict between the Development Permit Guidelines and
those contained in Area Plans adopted by the District, the latter shall apply.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 9
4. Respect the need for private areas in mixed use development and adjacent residentfal areas.
5. The form and treatment of new buildings should reflect the desired character and pattern of
development in the area by incorporatfng appropriate architectural styles, features, materials,
proportfons and building artfculatfon.
Chapter 8, Page 10 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
8.5.2 GUIDELINES
A. BUILDING DESIGN, MASSING AND SITING
1. The form and treatment of new buildings should reflect the desired character and pattern of
development in the area by incorporatfng appropriate architectural styles, roof forms, facade
modulatfon, architectural features, fenestratfon patterns, building elements and proportfons and
building artfculatfon.
2. Exterior finishes should be wood, brick, natural stone or other materials of warm appearance.
Substantfal areas of concrete should be avoided. Expanses of solid wall or glass are unacceptable.
3. New buildings adjacent to existfng small scale buildings such as houses should be designed to provide
visual interest whilst protectfng the privacy and livability of both propertfes.
4. Significant corners should be given added emphasis with vertfcal architectural features and roofscape
features. At intersectfons, the definitfon of corners should be reinforced by buildings that front on both
streets.
5. Development should be sited to have the building frontage on the main street alignment.
6. Projects located on slopes should be developed in a manner which creates a step in perceived height,
bulk and scale between development.
7. Design and constructfon of buildings should account for maximum sound attenuatfon between
commercial and adjacent residentfal uses. To ensure that noise generated on the site is addressed in the
most appropriate manner, Council may request that a noise attenuatfon study be prepared.
8. Contfnuous weather protectfon, such as canopies, structural awnings, or building overhangs, is strongly
promoted where at-grade retail uses are included in a development and over common entries to
commercial and/or mixed-use developments that front a public sidewalk or open space.
9. Developments adjacent to treed slopes, ravines and watercourses must respect natural vegetatfon, use
natural landscaping to retain soils on the site and may require additfonal setbacks as established by
agencies having jurisdictfon. Creeks and ravines are encouraged to be retained in their natural state.
10. Developments are encouraged to redirect water from rooftop runoff and downspouts into vegetated
areas or rain barrels for later irrigatfon use.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 11
11. Buildings should be designed and located on a site to:
a) preserve and incorporate natural features or views;
b) ensure proper orientatfon and relatfonship to adjoining residentfal uses;
c) minimize impacts on natural features and agricultural lands;
d) accommodate natural grades to ensure minimal grading is required.
B. REFUSE, RECYCLING AND SERVICING AREAS
1. The design of a roof, placement of mechanical units and satellite dishes, etc. should take into account
views of the roof from adjacent buildings.
2. Service areas should have differentfated access to minimize visual impact as well as conflicts with
pedestrians.
3. Refuse receptacles must be located indoors or within service areas out of view from pedestrian access.
Garbage and waste material should be stored in containers that are weatherproof and animal-resistant.
4. Mechanical equipment, drive-through uses, service or car wash bays, restrooms, vending machines,
unenclosed storage, and public telephones should be oriented on the site to face away from adjacent
residentfal development. Whenever possible, these uses should not be visible from an adjacent
residentfal property.
C. STREET FRONT
1. Partfcular attentfon should be made to the image presented to the street front.
2. New development should emphasize the street frontages by incorporatfng differentfated front, side and
rear oriented facades. Facades should incorporate vertfcal and horizontal relief in a well-proportfoned
rhythm appropriate to the intended scale of development
3. Buildings with over 15 metres of street frontage should break the horizontal mass of the building with
vertfcal elements in a rhythmic pattern.
4. Streetiront landscaping will incorporate street trees for definitfon of site boundaries and enhancement of
public space.
Chapter 8, Page 12 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
5. Vehicle access on a street frontage should be located to the side of the building away from the pedestrian
entrance and should be designed to minimize the impact on streetscape appearance and disruptfon to
pedestrian movement.
D. SIGNAGE AND LIGHTING
1. Signage should be integrated with the design of a building, preferably at ground level only, and its size
and design should complement the scale and architectural detail of the building.
2. High intensity illuminatfon directed at adjoining propertfes should be avoided. Commercial signage and
high intensity illuminatfon adjacent to residentfal uses should be minimized in order to protect residentfal
amenity.
3. Lightfng and signage should be designed so as to have no direct source of light visible from the public
right-of-way.
4. All signage must conform to the Maple Ridge Sign Bylaw. In the event of a conflict between the Maple
Ridge Sign Bylaw and these guidelines, the latter should take precedent.
5. In multfple-tenant commercial or mixed-use buildings, signs should be designed to present a unified
appearance. Signage space should be provided for upper storey tenancies.
E. VEHICLE ACCESS, PARKING, AND CIRCULATION
1. Buildings and structures should be located to ensure safe traffic circulatfon and access and adequate on-
site parking. Parking should be encouraged in smaller units to avoid a monotonous appearance.
2. Parking and storage areas should be appropriately screened. Low level landscape screening should be
provided to parking areas adjacent to public streets.
3. Where possible, parking and servicing should be located underground or to the rear of buildings to
minimize the impact on streetscape appearance and pedestrian amenity. In all new buildings the portfon
of the structure used for parking and servicing should be adequately screened and should be
architecturally compatfble with the rest of the building.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 13
4. Existfng lanes should be used for vehicle access, loading and servicing. Upgrading of lanes in terms of
attractfve treatment and screening of parking access and loading and service areas is encouraged.
5. Vehicle access should be located to the side of the building away from the pedestrian entrance and
should be designed to minimize the impact on streetscape appearance and disruptfon to pedestrian
movement.
6. Lanes and driveways should conform to the existfng grades as closely as possible to ensure minimal
disruptfon of slopes and vegetatfon. On steep terrain, access should be aligned, wherever possible, to
run parallel rather than counter to, natural contours and existfng grades.
7. Shared vehicle access between adjoining sites should be considered where access for parking at the rear
of the property is limited. Joint or shared access should also be considered between adjoining
developments to minimize disruptfon of pedestrian sidewalks and to maximize landscaping and
permeable surfaces. Integratfon of driving aisles and pedestrian walkways between adjacent sites is also
strongly encouraged.
8. Minimize the amount of asphalt surfaces in parking areas by integratfng a variety of paving materials such
as concrete, decoratfve pavers or by using alternate surface treatments.
9. Above ground parking structures should not front public streets at grade. Non-parking uses or special
façade treatments must be provided along street frontages to enhance the building’s appearance to the
public realm. On non-street frontfng façades, parking structures should be treated to avoid long blank
walls at grade, such as massed landscape treatments or attentfon to design detailing on the façade.
10. Parking control equipment, such as tfcket dispensers and card readers, should be located at a sufficient
distance from a public street to prevent parking queues extending onto the street. Similarly, a minimum
distance of one car length, and preferably two car lengths, should be provided between an exit gate and
the street edge to accommodate cars waitfng to merge into traffic.
11. Rooftop parking structures should include design elements, including landscaping, to reduce the visual
impact from the street and surrounding uses.
Chapter 8, Page 14 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
F. PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS
1. Development should improve pedestrian amenity through interestfng design detail at ground level, easily
identffiable entrances, shop fronts with clear untfnted glazing, concentratfon of signage at ground level,
attractfve landscaping and well defined pedestrian crossings for driveways and roadways.
2. A well defined pedestrian access to the commercial use will be provided from the public sidewalk. Design
will ensure that pedestrian use is given precedence over vehicular use. Where possible, at least one
pedestrian connectfon should be provided through the main block of buildings.
3. Facilitfes for cyclists should be considered for all developments.
G. LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACE
1. Landscaping should be supplemented to identffy and define public space, to present a pleasing image and
to soften the transitfon from adjacent land uses to the commercial development.
2. Adjacent residentfal uses should be adequately protected by significant landscaping or the provision of
screening or both.
3. Street trees will be a required component of all new development for definitfon of site boundaries and
enhancement of public space. Simplicity in landscaping materials is desirable and should be encouraged
for screening purposes. Deciduous tree species should be considered in landscape plantfngs to permit
light penetratfon in winter. Mature vegetatfon should be retained where possible.
4. Aesthetfc values along frontages and on-site ought to be enhanced by significant landscaping on all
property lines and around buildings. Street trees should be used to provide the landscaping variety that
would soften the character and scale of the area.
5. Landscape plantfng and screening should be used to create interestfng views and focal points into and out
of the site for pedestrians, passing drivers and building tenants on the site or adjacent to it.
6. Open space should be usable, attractfve and well-integrated with the design of the building. Open space,
in many cases, will be achieved with courtyards, recessed balconies, terraced balconies, roof top gardens,
and atria.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 15
7. Landscaping should reinforce design contfnuity with neighbouring propertfes and the streetscape by
providing consistency in street trees, plant materials, and other landscaping elements.
8. Landscaping should define the purpose and emphasize the desired character and functfon of public and
private space. All private and semi-private open space should be clearly defined as such and should be
controllable by those meant to benefit and be responsible for it, thus encouraging use, pride and safety.
9. Distfnguish public and semi-public spaces from private spaces. Design symbolic barriers through:
a) building and site design;
b) changes in paving, vegetatfon, or grading; or
c) architectural features, such as low walls, bollards or raised planters.
H. CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)
1. Developments should be designed to maximize opportunitfes for natural surveillance allowing people to
easily view what is happening around them during the course of everyday actfvitfes. Crime Preventfon
through Environmental Design principles and techniques are encouraged.
2. Crime Preventfon through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles should be incorporated into the
design of all parking facilitfes.
3. Design the interior spaces and exits from any underground and above ground parking structures for
maximum visibility within the parking area. Entries should be highly visible, well lit and spaced at
convenient intervals. Hidden spaces, obscured alcoves and blind corners should be avoided in the design
and layout of the parking facilitfes.
4. Walls and ceilings of parking structures, partfcularly underground structures, should be painted white to
enhance or reflect light.
I. UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
1. All non-vehicular routes should be fully accessible. Sidewalks and pathways should be wide enough for
wheelchair / scooters and should include a tactfle strip for the visually impaired. Curb-cuts and curb let-
downs should be provided in appropriate locatfons to facilitate safe, convenient, and direct access from
parking spaces to buildings for people with disabilitfes.
2. Locate parking spaces allocated for people with disabilitfes as close as possible to the main entrance to a
building.
Chapter 8, Page 16 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3. Building entries should be:
a) clearly addressed with large numbers visible from the street;
b) directly accessed from the street without stairs; and
c) provided with weather protectfon, exterior lightfng, and power-assisted door openers.
J. BICYCLE STORAGE AND PARKING
1. Provide short term bicycle parking facilitfes, such as bicycle racks, at grade close to building entrances.
Bicycle parking should be in well-lit locatfons and clearly visible from a main building entrance and/or
public roads. Bicycle racks should be made of sturdy, theft-resistant material, securely anchored to the
floor or grounds.
2. Provide long term bicycle parking facilitfes in secure storage areas within buildings. Bicycle storage areas
provided as part of a parking structure should be located close to elevators and access points. In mixed-
use buildings, bicycle storage facilitfes for residents are to be separate from those for the commercial
uses.
3. Large-scale developments are encouraged to provide end-of-trip facilitfes, such as showers and lockers,
within the development for the convenience of employees.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 17
8.6 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
AREA GUIDELINES
8.6.1 KEY GUIDELINE CONCEPTS
Applicatfons for Development Permits will be assessed against the following key guideline concepts:
1. Provide a street presence with entrances and architectural interest in building designs frontfng public
streets.
2. Loading facilitfes should be located away from public streets and into the rear or the interior of a site.
INTENT
The Development Permit Area is designated under Sectfon 919.1(1) of the Local Government Act to
establish guidelines for the form and character of industrial development. The purpose of the
Industrial Development Permit is to promote development that meets the needs of industry, and
through attractfve design that is compatfble with adjacent development.
An Industrial Development Permit is required for all new industrial development within the urban area
on lands designated Industrial on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan other than in those
circumstances indicated in Sectfon 8.4 Development Permit Exemptfons. The following form and
character guidelines apply to industrial development but are not necessarily appropriate for general
industrial uses.
These guidelines are supplemented by the more detailed guidelines outlined in Area Plans adopted by
the District of Maple Ridge.
In the event of a conflict between the Development Permit Guidelines and those contained in Area
Plans adopted by the District, the latter shall apply.
Chapter 8, Page 18 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3. Outdoor storage and less attractfve structures such as accessory buildings should be screened with fencing
or landscape.
4. The transportatfon needs of diverse users should be accommodated through amenitfes such as bicycle
facilitfes, and accessible design for the mobility impaired.
5. The form and treatment of new buildings should reflect the desired character and pattern of development
in the area by incorporatfng appropriate architectural styles, features, materials, proportfons and building
artfculatfon.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 19
8.6.2 GUIDELINES
A. BUILDING DESIGN, MASSING AND SITING
1. Offices, receptfon, sales, and other public use areas should be located at the front of the buildings to face
streets. Design façades so that these areas are easily identffiable and visible from streets.
2. Main building entries should be located and designed to be clearly identffied from streets or entry
driveways. Include glazing as a major component of street-facing building façades.
3. Whenever possible, overhead service doors and loading docks should not be located on a building façade
that faces a street. Design service doors to fit with the overall design of a building.
4. Buildings with significant areas of non-reflectfve opaque materials or blank walls should incorporate
features such as texture, graphics, reveals, colours or decoratfve floodlightfng to provide visual interest.
Landscaping should also be provided to compliment the architectural details.
5. Developments adjacent to treed slopes, ravines and watercourses must respect natural vegetatfon, use
natural landscaping to retain soils on the site and may require additfonal setbacks as established by
agencies having jurisdictfon. Creeks and ravines are encouraged to be retained in their natural state.
Buildings and structures should be integrated into natural slopes and other significant features.
6. New developments are encouraged to incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) techniques into their
site planning. Consider employing techniques such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, separatfon of
impervious surfaces, installing below surface infiltratfon beds and tree box filters, and redirectfng water
from drain pipes into vegetated areas.
7. Rooftops of buildings should include design elements, including landscaping, to reduce the visual impact
from the street, surrounding uses and structures such as bridges.
B. VEHICLE ACCESS, PARKING AND CIRCULATION
1. Wherever possible, the majority of parking and all loading areas should be located between or to the rear
of buildings, with access from lanes or internal circulatfon.
2. Divide large surface parking areas into smaller sectfons to avoid a monotonous appearance. Use
landscaping strips, trees, building edges, pedestrian pathways, and pavement treatment to enhance the
visual appearance of large parking areas.
Chapter 8, Page 20 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3. Parking areas adjacent to public streets should provide a low level landscaped buffer between the parking
and the public realm.
4. Consider the use of permeable parking pavers or shallow concrete swales with rolled edges as an
alternatfve treatment for surface drainage.
5. Above ground parking structures should not front public streets at grade. Non-parking uses or special
façade treatments must be provided along street frontages to enhance the building’s appearance to the
public realm. On non-street frontfng façades, parking structures should be treated to avoid long blank
walls at grade, such as massed landscape treatments or attentfon to the design detailing on the façade.
6. Parking control equipment, such as tfcket dispensers and card readers, should be located at a sufficient
distance from a public street to prevent parking queues extending onto the street. Similarly, a minimum
distance of one car length, and preferably two car lengths, should be provided between an exit gate and
the street edge to accommodate cars waitfng to merge into traffic.
7. Rooftop parking structures should include design elements, including landscaping, to reduce the visual
impact from the street, surrounding uses and structures such as bridges.
C. PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
1. Provide well defined and safe pedestrian access from parking areas and the public sidewalk to industrial
uses. Design the access to ensure that pedestrian use is given precedence over vehicular use.
2. Industrial developments with large parking areas should provide a direct pedestrian pathway system
through the parking area to facilitate convenient and safe pedestrian access between building entrances,
parked cars, and sidewalks of adjoining streets. Features such as special landscaping with trees and
benches, overhead weather protectfon and distfnct paving should be incorporated where appropriate.
Pedestrian movement should be designed to avoid any obstructfon by parked vehicles.
3. Where pedestrian pathways intersect service roads or access roads for access to parking areas,
crosswalks should be clearly designated through use of pavement markings, signs, flashing lights or,
where warranted, traffic signals.
D. UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
1. Locate parking spaces allocated for people with disabilitfes as close as possible to the main entrance to a
building.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 21
2. All non-vehicular routes should be fully accessible. Sidewalks and pathways should be wide enough for
wheelchairs or scooters and should include a tactfle strip for the visually impaired. Curb-cuts and curb let
-downs should be provided in appropriate locatfons to facilitate safe, convenient, and direct access from
parking spaces to buildings for people with disabilitfes.
3. Building and site design features should integrate circulatfon routes and areas for people with disabilitfes
with general public use.
E. REFUSE, RECYCLING AND SERVICE AREAS
1. The design of a roof, placement of mechanical units and satellite dishes, etc. should take into account
views of the roof from adjacent buildings.
2. Service areas should have differentfated access to minimize visual impact as well as conflicts with
pedestrians.
3. Refuse receptacles must be located indoors or within service areas out of view from pedestrian access.
Garbage and waste material should be stored in containers that are weatherproof and animal-resistant.
4. Locate building ventflatfon systems to minimize noise and exhaust on pedestrian areas, adjacent
residentfal development and outdoor spaces.
5. Mechanical equipment, drive-through uses, service or car wash bays, restrooms, vending machines,
unenclosed storage, and public telephones should be oriented on the site to face away from adjacent
residentfal development. Whenever possible, these uses should not be visible from an adjacent
residentfal property.
F. SIGNAGE
1. All signage must conform to the Maple Ridge Sign Bylaw. In the event of a conflict between the Maple
Ridge Sign Bylaw and these guidelines, the latter shall take precedent.
2. Signage design, materials and message should be integrated and complement the scale and architectural
detail of the building.
3. In multfple-tenant buildings, signs should be designed to present a unified appearance.
Chapter 8, Page 22 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
G. LIGHTING
1. Pedestrian level lightfng is encouraged along all pedestrian pathways.
2. Lightfng should be designed so as to have no direct source of light visible from the public right-of-way or
adjacent residentfal land. Care should be taken to ensure that lightfng glare does not pose a nuisance to
adjacent residences, pedestrians, or motorists.
H. CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)
1. Crime Preventfon through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles should be incorporated into the
design of all buildings and facilitfes.
2. Ensure convenient, safe, identffiable and universally accessible access routes to building entrances,
lobbies, parking structures, or other principal areas of buildings.
3. Design developments to maximize opportunitfes for natural surveillance, allowing people to easily view
what is happening around them during the course of everyday actfvitfes. Design the interior spaces and
exits from any parking structures for maximum visibility within the parking area. Entries should be highly
visible, well lit and spaced at convenient intervals Hidden spaces, obscured alcoves and blind corners
should be avoided in the design and layout of the parking facilitfes.
4. Wherever possible, locate parking next to uses that generate human actfvity.
I. BICYCLE PARKING AND STORAGE
1. The provision of bicycle parking facilitfes, such as bicycle racks is encouraged. Bicycle parking should be in
well-lit locatfons and clearly visible from a main building entrance and/or public roads. Bicycle racks
should be made of sturdy, theft-resistant material, securely anchored to the floor or grounds.
2. Large-scale developments are encouraged to provide end-of-trip facilitfes, such as showers and lockers,
within the development for the convenience of employees.
J. LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACE
1. Ancillary or accessory buildings, including structures used for storing materials, should be visually
screened from public streets with dense evergreen plantfng or should be designed and finished in a
manner consistent with the principal building.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 23
2. For industrial developments with multfple tenancies, consider providing amenity spaces for the common
use of employees and visitors. Amenity spaces for individual tenancies may be consolidated into large
indoor and outdoor amenity spaces for the common use of all tenancies. Examples include outdoor
landscaped areas or recreatfon spaces.
3. Landscaping both within and outside the development should:
a) provide definitfon for pedestrian corridors;
b) provide adequate screening between private outdoor spaces;
c) present a pleasing street image;
d) soften the transitfon between adjacent land uses;
e) create interestfng views and focal points into and out of the site.
4. Provide landscaping of substantfal proportfons around property lines, partfcularly adjacent to residentfal
development, to ensure a compatfble and smooth transitfon to abutting residentfal uses.
5. Landscaping should reinforce design contfnuity with neighbouring propertfes and the streetscape by
providing consistency in street trees, plant materials, and other landscaping elements.
6. The scale and locatfon of plantfng material should complement and be consistent with the scale and
massing of buildings.
7. Energy efficiency and conservatfon should be considered in the design of landscaped areas and in the
selectfon of plant material. This can be accomplished through:
a) The use of natfve and/or drought-resistant species;
b) designing the landscaping to moderate the effect of wind;
c) providing shade in summer;
d) allowing daylight into buildings;
e) allowing natural drainage to occur throughout the site;
f) redirectfng water from rooftop runoff and downspouts into vegetated areas or rain barrels for later
irrigatfon use.
8. Any portfon of a building site left vacant for future development should be landscaped consistent with
the landscape plan for the overall site. The minimum ground surface treatment should be lawn. Where
possible, the natural state should be retained for those portfons of a property not being developed.
9. Existfng vegetatfon should be enhanced with new plantfng wherever constructfon actfvity has destroyed
vegetatfon. Replantfng with indigenous or natfve species is encouraged.
Chapter 8, Page 24 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
10. Maximize the amount of landscaped areas and minimize the amount of impervious paved surfaces to
increase the natural absorptfon of rainwater on a site.
11. Chain link fences are to be avoided, and are discouraged along street frontages. Where chain link fences
are unavoidable, a dense landscape material is encouraged adjacent to the landscape screen.
12. Fences abutting residentfal sites should be constructed with materials consistent with fences generally
used in residentfal developments.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 25
8.7 MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT AREA GUIDELINES
8.7.1 KEY GUIDELINE CONCEPTS
Applicatfons for Development Permits will be assessed against the following Key Design concepts are as
follows:
1. New development into established areas should respect private spaces, and incorporate local
neighbourhood elements in building form, height, architectural features and massing.
2. Transitfonal development should be used to bridge areas of low and high densitfes, through means such
as stepped building heights, or low rise ground oriented housing located to the periphery of higher
density developments.
INTENT
The Development Permit Area is designated under Sectfon 919.1(1)(f) of the Local Government Act to
establish guidelines for the form and character of Multf-Family development. The purpose of a Multf-
Family Development Permit is to enhance existfng neighbourhoods with compatfble housing styles that
meet diverse needs and minimize potentfal conflicts on neighbouring land uses.
A Multf-Family Development Permit is required for all new multf-family development on land
designated Urban Residentfal on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan, or Multf-Family
development in an area with an Area Plan, other than in those circumstances indicated in Sectfon 8.4
Development Permit Exemptfons. A Multf-Family Development Permit is also required in Commercial
designatfons where 100% residentfal multf-family development is proposed. The following form and
character guidelines apply to multf-family residentfal developments.
These guidelines are supplemented by the more detailed guidelines outlined in Area Plans adopted by
the District of Maple Ridge. In the event of a conflict between the Development Permit Guidelines and
those contained in Area Plans adopted by the District, the latter shall apply.
Chapter 8, Page 26 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
3. Large scale developments should be clustered and given architectural separatfon to foster a sense of
community, and improve visual attractfveness.
4. Pedestrian circulatfon should be encouraged with attractfve streetscapes attained through landscaping,
architectural details, appropriate lightfng and by directfng parking underground where possible or away
from public view through screened parking structures or surface parking located to the rear of the
property.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 27
8.7.2 GUIDELINES
A. BUILDING DESIGN, MASSING, AND SITING
1. Design and sitfng of buildings should take advantage of natural features or views and should enhance
privacy and livability.
2. Residentfal buildings should front or appear to front onto public roads through the use of appropriate
treatment of exteriors, through direct pedestrian access to individual units from the public street/
sidewalk, or through the provision of pedestrian walkways linked to the street. Street frontages should
be emphasized by incorporatfng differentfated front, side and rear oriented façades, with a minimum two
storey facade on the frontfng street to foster a human scale. Buildings that are designed with an end wall
or unit adjacent to a public street should design the end unit with the pedestrian entry facing the street.
At significant intersectfons, the definitfon of corners should be reinforced by buildings that front on both
streets and incorporate corner cuts.
3. Higher density dwellings should be sited adjacent to major streets in order to minimize access problems
and to provide a transitfon to lower density uses.
4. Multf-family developments adjacent to lower density or single detached residentfal dwellings should:
a) be consistent in form and massing with the surrounding area;
b) be sited adjacent to major streets to provide a transitfon to lower density uses;
c) concentrate density to the centre of the development or towards a non-residentfal boundary and
locate lower density components adjacent to lower density residentfal uses;
d) create a transitfon in building mass and form towards the setbacks of the adjacent neighbourhood;
e) minimize access conflicts;
f) be designed to maximize privacy and minimize views onto adjoining sites, partfcularly for portfons of
the development abutting the side yards of adjacent single detached residentfal uses.
5. Larger buildings, roof forms and building frontages should include design elements and features to:
a) provide variatfon in the façades to help reduce the visual length of individual buildings;
b) have the appearance of a series of smaller buildings, or as identffiable parts of a larger concept; and
c) incorporate components that express strong unit identfty and incorporate direct access to grade for
ground-floor units.
6. New multf-family developments should use design themes, architectural features and elements of the
surrounding neighbourhood by incorporatfng common elements such as form, scale, massing and
proportfon into the design as a means to reinforce neighbourhood stability. Examples include:
Chapter 8, Page 28 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
a) the artfculatfon of façades, using where appropriate, elements such as porches, chimneys,
projectfons, recesses, and balconies;
b) the placement, size, shape and number of doors and windows;
c) the locatfon and visual appearance of garages and/or parking facilitfes;
d) the selectfon of appropriate and compatfble roof forms; and
e) the design of hard and soft landscaping.
7. The exposed undersides of balconies and porches that are visible from a street or public walkway should
be covered with exterior finishes to provide a finished appearance to public view.
8. Developments are encouraged to use the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS)
standards in the design of buildings. Techniques such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, separatfon of
impervious surfaces, installing below surface infiltratfon beds and tree box filters, and redirectfng water
from drain pipes into vegetated areas are encouraged.
9. Variatfon in individual unit designs is encouraged to provide visual interest and avoid significant
repetftfon either within a row of townhouses, or between adjacent rows of units.
10. Garage doors should not face public streets. Where front facing garage doors are unavoidable, the
impact of garage doors on the public realm should be mitfgated by:
a) designing residentfal units with enough width to include attractfve entrances and windows between
garages;
b) recessing garage doors behind the main building façade;
c) keeping a sufficient width in residentfal units to allow the creatfon of attractfve entrances and
fenestratfon between garages.
d) grouping garage doors in pairs between adjacent units to allow building entrances and façades more
prominence on the street;
e) providing interior spaces that overlook the street;
f) separatfng and orientfng unit entrances to the street;
g) providing individual pedestrian walkways linked to the street;
h) including design details such as transom windows or glazing in garage doors;
i) a comprehensive landscape plan that identffies how the visual impact of garage doors from the street
will be mitfgated.
11. Landscaping of rooftops is encouraged where possible, to provide shared or private outdoor space for
residents and to provide attractfve views for residents and passersby.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 29
B. VEHICLE ACCESS, PARKING AND CIRCULATION
1. Parking and servicing should be located underground or to the rear of buildings, with access from lanes
wherever possible. Where lane access is not possible, access should be from streets via narrow
driveways to minimize the impact on streetscape appearance and disruptfon to pedestrian movement.
2. Parking structures should be adequately screened and architecturally compatfble with the rest of the
building. Large surface parking areas should be divided into smaller sectfons to avoid a monotonous
appearance with landscaping strips, trees, building edges, pedestrian pathways, and pavement treatment
to enhance their visual appearance.
3. Developments with large parking areas should provide a direct pedestrian pathway system through the
parking area to facilitate convenient and safe pedestrian access between building entrances, parked cars,
and sidewalks of adjoining streets. Features such as special landscaping with trees and benches,
overhead weather protectfon and distfnct paving should be incorporated where appropriate. Pedestrian
movement should be designed to avoid any obstructfon by parked vehicles.
4. Shared vehicle access between adjoining sites should be considered where access for parking at the rear
of the property is limited. Joint or shared access should also be considered between adjoining
developments to minimize disruptfon of pedestrian sidewalks and to maximize landscaping and
permeable surfaces. Integratfon of driving aisles and pedestrian walkways between adjacent sites is also
strongly encouraged.
5. Locate parking spaces allocated for people with disabilitfes as close as possible to the main entrance to a
building.
6. Crime Preventfon through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles should be incorporated into the
design of all parking facilitfes with convenient, safe, identffiable and universally accessible access routes
to building entrances, lobbies or other principal areas of buildings, and to grade level from any
underground or above ground parking structures.
7. To increase safety, consider using electronic security devices and monitoring systems as a supplement to
natural surveillance opportunitfes in parking structures and parking areas.
8. The amount of asphalt surfaces in parking areas should be minimized by integratfng a variety of paving
materials such as concrete, decoratfve pavers, etc. or by using alternate surface treatments.
9. Road grades, streets, lanes, and driveways should conform to the existfng grades as closely as possible to
ensure minimal disruptfon of slopes and vegetatfon. On steep terrain, roads should be aligned, wherever
possible, to run parallel rather than counter to, natural contours and existfng grades.
Chapter 8, Page 30 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
C. LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACE
1. Landscaping both within and outside the development should:
a) provide definitfon for pedestrian corridors;
b) delineate private and semi-private space from public space;
c) provide adequate screening between private outdoor spaces;
d) present a pleasing street image;
e) provide suitable buffering between public road and privacy areas;
f) soften the transitfon between adjacent land uses;
g) provide a buffer between residentfal and non-residentfal land uses;
h) create interestfng views and focal points into and out of the site;
i) reinforce design contfnuity with neighbouring propertfes, the scale and massing of buildings, and the
streetscape by providing consistency in street trees, plant materials, and other landscaping elements.
2. Landscape drawings for development applicatfons should include, but are not limited to, the following
informatfon:
a) the locatfon of mature and existfng trees to be retained or removed;
b) the locatfon of all protectfve tree fencing;
c) a grading plan or cross sectfon indicatfng finished grade; and
d) a drainage plan for the site.
3. Street trees will be a required component of all development. Incorporate deciduous tree species into
streetiront landscaping to define site boundaries, to enhance public space, and to permit light
penetratfon in winter.
4. Energy efficiency and conservatfon should be considered in the design of landscaped areas and in the
selectfon of plant material. This can be accomplished through:
a) using natfve and/or drought-resistant species;
b) designing the landscaping to moderate the effect of wind;
c) providing shade in summer;
d) allowing natural drainage to occur throughout the site;
e) allowing daylight into buildings; and
f) redirectfng water from rooftop runoff and downspouts into vegetated areas or rain barrels for later
irrigatfon use.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 31
5. Maintain contfnuous landscaping along abutting streets and minimize the number of interruptfons such
as driveways and parking entrances. Contfnue the sidewalk pavement across driveways and parking
entrances.
6. Create visual landmarks on significant street corners and at locatfons of high visibility. Provide
landscaping and consider incorporatfng features such as flag poles, banners, visual art, ornamental trees,
fountains, architectural elements, and landscape structures.
7. Any portfon of a building site left vacant for future development should be landscaped consistent with
the landscape plan for the overall site. The minimum ground surface treatment should be lawn. Where
possible, the natural state should be retained for those portfons of a property not being developed.
8. Identffy, preserve and incorporate stands of mature trees into the overall site landscaping design. Retain
unique tree species, significant vegetatfon, natural landscape features and nestfng areas on a site
wherever possible. To attain this objectfve, prior to the design of a project, a detailed survey prepared by
a qualified professional indicatfng the locatfon and conditfon of existfng trees and vegetatfon on a site
should be conducted and provided to the District as part of the development applicatfon process.
9. Existfng vegetatfon should be enhanced with new plantfng wherever constructfon actfvity has destroyed
vegetatfon. Replantfng with indigenous or natfve species is encouraged.
10. Consider incorporatfng rain gardens and vegetated swales into parking lot landscaping to increase the
natural absorptfon of rainwater runoff from paved areas into the ground.
11. The height and locatfon of a landscape screen should ensure that:
a) privacy to adjacent propertfes is adequately protected;
b) driving site lines are maintained from adjacent roads, manoeuvring aisles, parking lots; and
c) the quality of the streetscape and outdoor living spaces is enhanced.
12. Maximize the amount of landscaped areas and minimize the amount of impervious paved surfaces to
increase the natural absorptfon of rainwater on a site.
D. UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
1. All non-vehicular routes should be fully accessible. Sidewalks and pathways should be wide enough for
wheelchair/scooters and should include a tactfle strip for the visually impaired. Curb-cuts and curb let-
downs should be provided in appropriate locatfons to facilitate safe, convenient, and direct access from
parking spaces to buildings for people with disabilitfes.
Chapter 8, Page 32 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
2. Building entries should be:
a) clearly addressed with large numbers visible from the street;
b) directly accessed from the street without stairs;
c) provided with level areas measuring a minimum of 1.5m x 1.5m (4.9 ft. x 4.9 ft.) both inside and
outside of doorways; and
d) provided with weather protectfon, exterior lightfng, and power-assisted door openers.
E. REFUSE, RECYCLING AND SERVICE AREAS
1. Integrate vents, mechanical rooms, mechanical equipment, and elevator penthouses into the roof design
or screen with materials and finishes compatfble with the overall architectural design.
2. The design of a roof, placement of mechanical units and satellite dishes, etc. should take into account
views of the roof from adjacent buildings.
3. Garbage containers and recycling bins must be:
a) easily accessible;
b) appropriately sized for the building occupants;
c) contained within roofed/walled enclosures;
d) incorporated into the overall design of the development; or
e) screened from public view and weatherproof and animal-resistant within the boundaries of each site.
4. Service areas should be internalized within the development. For developments with multfple buildings,
common refuse, recycling and service areas are to be provided. Storage areas should be located to be
convenient and readily accessible from most buildings or units on the site. Avoid direct exposure from
public streets and allow for adequate manoeuvring space for refuse removal vehicles.
5. Enclose or screen all exterior mechanical units or equipment, including roof top units, equipment, and
satellite dishes within upper floors or structures that form part of the overall design of a development.
6. Locate building ventflatfon systems to minimize noise and exhaust pedestrian areas, residentfal units, and
outdoor spaces and locate less sensitfve land uses closer to sources of noise.
7. Buildings should be designed and constructed to maximize sound attenuatfon:
a) between units;
b) between public roads and units; and
c) between adjacent land uses and units.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 33
F. SIGNAGE AND LIGHTING
1. All signage must conform to the Maple Ridge Sign Bylaw. In the event of a conflict between the Maple
Ridge Sign Bylaw and these guidelines, the latter shall take precedent.
2. Signage design, materials and message should be integrated and complement the scale and architectural
detail of the building.
3. Pedestrian level lightfng is encouraged along all pedestrian routes and pedestrian plazas. The lightfng
should be pedestrian focused.
4. Lightfng should be designed so as to have no direct source of light visible from the public right-of-way or
adjacent residentfal land. Care should be taken to ensure that lightfng glare does not pose a nuisance to
adjacent residences, pedestrians, or motorists.
G. BICYCLE PARKING AND STORAGE
1. Short term and long term bicycle parking facilitfes should be considered for all developments. Short term
bicycle parking should be in well-lit locatfons and clearly visible from a main building entrance and/or
public roads with bicycle racks made of sturdy, theft-resistant material that is securely anchored to the
floor or ground. Longer term bicycle storage areas provided as part of a parking structure should be
located close to elevators and access points.
Chapter 8, Page 34 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
8.8 INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
GUIDELINES
8.8.1 KEY GUIDELINE CONCEPTS
Applicatfons for Development Permits will be assessed against the following key guideline concepts as follows:
1. Neighbourhood cohesiveness and connectfvity should be maintained through the design of varied yet
compatfble buildings, in materials used and in architectural styles, in landscapes and in recreatfonal areas,
and by facilitatfng a range of transportatfon choices.
INTENT
The Intensive Development Permit Area is designated under Sectfon 919.1(1)(e) of the Local
Government Act to establish guidelines for the form and character of intensive residentfal
development. The purpose of an Intensive Residentfal Development Permit is to provide a greater
emphasis on high standards in aesthetfcs and quality of the built environment while protectfng
important qualitfes of the natural environment. The desired outcome is an environment that is safe,
attractfve, people-friendly and environmentally responsive.
An Intensive Residentfal Development Permit is required for all new intensive residentfal development
on land designated Urban Residentfal on Schedule B of the Official Community Plan, or intensive
residentfal development in an area with an Area Plan. Residentfal development at densitfes greater
than 30 units per net hectare that is typically zoned R-3 Special Amenity Residentfal District, is
considered as intensive residentfal. A Development Permit may not be required under certain
circumstances indicated in Sectfon 8.4 Development Permit Exemptfons. The following form and
character guidelines apply to intensive residentfal developments.
These guidelines are supplemented by the more detailed guidelines outlined in Area Plans adopted by
the District of Maple Ridge. In the event of a conflict between the Development Permit Guidelines and
those contained in Area Plans adopted by the District, the latter shall apply.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 35
2. A vibrant street presence is to be maintained through a variety of housing styles, by maintaining street
parking and by directfng garage structures and off-street parking to the rear of a property accessible by a
lane.
Chapter 8, Page 36 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
8.8.2 GUIDELINES
A. BUILDING DESIGN, MASSING AND SITING
1. The existfng neighbourhood should, where appropriate, provide a design reference for new development
to reinforce neighbourhood stability. Unity, symmetry, and proportfon should be the guiding principles
of any architectural vernacular.
2. Attentfon should be paid to general architectural style and detailing, scale, finishing materials, character
and materials of façades and roof treatment and treatment of entranceways.
3. Provide visual variety along streetscapes by varying individual unit designs. Avoid significant repetftfon
either within a row of houses, or between adjacent rows of houses. Identfcal designs should not be
repeated within three adjacent propertfes.
4. Buildings should front abutting streets. Main entrances should face the street, be clearly visible, and be
directly accessed from the public sidewalk. Entrances should reinforce proximity to grade level and
should avoid two-storey features.
5. The use of porches or verandas to define entries and create exterior living space is encouraged.
6. Building setbacks from roadways will generally be less than is typical of lower density residentfal
development. As much as possible, entries and main living spaces should be elevated by approximately 1
meter from the frontfng street grade to ensure privacy can be maintained.
7. The presence of garage doors along roadways should be minimized in order to enhance the pedestrian
experience. Where front facing garage doors are unavoidable, the impact of garage doors on the public
realm will be mitfgated by:
a) designing residentfal units with enough width to include attractfve entrances and windows between
garages;
b) recessing garage doors a minimum of 0.6 metres (2 ft.) behind the main building façade;
c) providing interior spaces that overlook the street;
d) limitfng the width of the garage door to no more than 50% of the building width, as seen from the
frontfng road. Where severe grade limitatfon allows the garage to be located within the basement
level, this maximum width limitatfon need not apply; and
e) separatfng and orientfng unit entrances to the street.
8. Buildings should be designed and located on a site to:
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 37
a) preserve and incorporate natural features or views;
b) minimize impacts on natural features and agricultural lands; and
c) accommodate natural grades to ensure minimal grading is required.
9. Developments adjacent to treed slopes, ravines and watercourses must respect natural vegetatfon, use
natural landscaping to retain soils on the site and may require additfonal setbacks as established by
agencies having jurisdictfon. Creeks and ravines are encouraged to be retained in their natural state.
Buildings and structures should be integrated into natural slopes and other significant features.
10. New developments are encouraged to incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) techniques into their
site planning. Consider employing techniques such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, separatfon of
impervious surfaces, installing below surface infiltratfon beds and tree box filters, and redirectfng water
from drain pipes into vegetated areas.
B. LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACE
1. Recreatfon space should be provided within a 2 to 5 minutes walking distance of a residence. This is
equivalent to desirable maximum distance of 200 meters to an absolute maximum of 400 meters.
2. The design of recreatfonal spaces should reflect the antfcipated needs of the residentfal populatfon and
should have sun exposure year-round.
3. Recreatfon areas should be easily observed by nearby residences and should be sited so as to not conflict
with the enjoyment of private outdoor space.
4. Whenever possible, measures should be taken to retain existfng trees and vegetatfon on the
development site.
5. Street trees should be required as a component of all new development.
6. Simplicity in landscape materials is desirable and should be encouraged for screening purposes.
Landscaping should provide definitfon for pedestrian corridors, delineate private or semi-private space
from public space, and provide adequate screening for private outdoor space. The scale and locatfon of
plantfng material should be consistent with the scale massing of adjacent buildings and seek to
complement them.
7. Landscaping should:
a) provide definitfon for pedestrian corridors;
b) delineate private and semi-private space from public space;
c) provide adequate screening between private outdoor spaces;
Chapter 8, Page 38 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
d) present a pleasing street image;
e) provide suitable buffering between public road and privacy areas;
f) soften the transitfon between adjacent land uses;
g) provide a buffer between residentfal and non-residentfal land uses; and
h) create interestfng views and focal points into and out of the site.
8. Energy efficiency and conservatfon should be considered in the design of landscaped areas and in the
selectfon of plant material. This can be accomplished through:
a) The use of natfve and/or drought-resistant species;
b) designing the landscaping to moderate the effect of wind;
c) providing shade in summer;
d) allow daylight into buildings; and
e) allow natural drainage to occur throughout the site.
C. SAFETY
1. Design developments to maximize opportunitfes for natural surveillance, allowing people to easily view
what is happening around them during the course of everyday actfvitfes. Crime Preventfon through
Environmental Design principles and techniques are encouraged.
D. FENCING
1. Front and exterior side yard landscape screens or fences are encouraged as a means of defining public
and private space. Notwithstanding the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw, fences in front yards should
be reduced somewhat in height from the maximum permitted.
2. Fences that are adjacent to a street should be somewhat transparent (such as a picket type) rather than
solid board, and should be in combinatfon with landscaping along the street edge.
3. Chain link fences are to be avoided, and are discouraged along street frontages.
4. Any fencing should be provided in combinatfon with landscaping on the street side.
E. VEHICLE ACCESS, PARKING & CIRCULATION
1. On public roads parking is to be accommodated on streets and to the rear of residences accessed by a
lane, where possible. Where parking garages are oriented towards the street, the garage width should
not exceed 50% of the total building width.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 39
2. On private roads, parking is to be accommodated within garages/carports and driveways or discrete
parking areas. Parking garages should not exceed 50% of the building width nor project forward. Parking
areas should accommodate alternatfve uses such as play areas. This is best achieved with the use of
alternatfve materials to those used on roadways. As much as possible visitor parking or common parking
areas should be several small sites rather than a few larger sites.
3. Public roads and lanes should:
a) provide efficient circulatfon for service vehicles and encourage vehicles to maintain appropriate
speed through physical design.
b) provide sufficient access for emergency response vehicles to all buildings on a site.
c) conform to the existfng grades as closely as possible and be aligned to run parallel to natural contours
to ensure minimal disruptfon of slopes and vegetatfon.
d) encourage pedestrian connectfons to adjacent propertfes.
4. Private roads should provide efficient circulatfon, encourage appropriate speed through physical design,
and accommodate pedestrian use through the use of alternatfve paving materials, such as patterned
concrete or paving stones, or with grade changes.
5. Parking should be accommodated on-site within garages or discrete parking areas and to the rear of
residences accessed by a lane, where possible.
6. Consider the use of permeable parking pavers or shallow concrete swales with rolled edges as an
alternatfve treatment for surface drainage.
F. LIGHTING
1. Street lightfng is required on public streets and should be provided for all private streets within a
development.
2. Lightfng is to be pedestrian focused and as such should be located at a maximum height of 4 meters and
at lesser intervals than standard davit streetlights.
3. Care should be taken to ensure that lightfng does not pose a nuisance to adjacent residences,
pedestrians, or motorists by way of glare.
G. UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
1. Whenever possible, pedestrian access for all areas of a site should be designed to be accessible to
disabled persons. Careful consideratfon should be given to the proximity of pathways to private space,
ensuring sufficient separatfon to avoid conflicts.
Chapter 8, Page 40 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
8.9 WATERCOURSE PROTECTION
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
GUIDELINES
8.9.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To identffy the area partfcularly susceptfble to disturbance by establishing top-of bank of
watercourses and wetlands and the adjacent riparian leave strip as the watercourse protectfon area
to remain free of development.
2. To afford greater protectfon to watercourses and their associated riparian habitat by securing natural
watercourse protectfon areas in public ownership.
INTENT
The Watercourse Protectfon Development Permit Area is hereby established for the preservatfon,
protectfon, restoratfon and enhancement of watercourse and riparian areas.
The following guidelines apply to all watercourse and wetland setback areas as identffied on Schedule
C Natural Features.
A Development Permit will be required for all development and subdivision actfvity or building permits
within 50 metres of the top-of-bank of all watercourses and wetlands as shown on Schedule C Natural
Features, other than in those circumstances indicated in Sectfon 8.4 Development Permit Exemptfons.
These guidelines may be varied with supportfng documentatfon from a qualified professional at the
discretfon of Council.
Security should be taken as a conditfon of issuance of a Development Permit for those lots adjacent to
a watercourse protectfon area to ensure that the Development Permit Guidelines are met.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 41
3. To facilitate environmentally sensitfve development of lands adjacent to identffied protected areas
through partfcular attentfon to the subdivision of land, sitfng of buildings and structures, and areas of
parking, storage, and landscaping.
4. To ensure that adjacent development actfvity does not encroach upon or alter the protected area(s).
5. To ensure vegetatfon or trees are maintained and conserved, or alternatfvely planted as necessary, to
control erosion, protect banks and enhance fish habitat.
6. To ensure that land clearing is limited to a phased constructfon schedule in order to minimize the
potentfal negatfve impacts of runoff and erosion on exposed soils in the watercourse protectfon area.
7. To develop stormwater management plans that strive for the maintenance of pre-development flow
regimes of local watercourses.
8. To encourage where possible that development sites utflize drainage infiltratfon in order to augment
stream base flows.
8.9.2 GUIDELINES
A. WATERCOURSE PROTECTION AREA ESTABLISHMENT
1. Watercourse protectfon areas are to be established in accordance with their habitat value and the
potentfal impacts proposed by adjacent development. The District of Maple Ridge, the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans and the Ministry of Environment must endorse the proposed watercourse
protectfon boundaries.
2. The watercourse protectfon areas are to be dedicated where possible into public ownership for
conservatfon purposes.
3. The boundaries of the watercourse protectfon areas are to be physically located on the ground by a
B.C. Land Surveyor prior to site disturbance.
Chapter 8, Page 42 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
4. Temporary barrier fencing is to be installed adjacent to watercourse protectfon areas prior to any
constructfon actfvity and should be replaced with permanent post and rail fence upon development
completfon.
5. All lots must provide the required minimum lot dimensions as set out in the Zoning Bylaw exclusive of
the watercourse protectfon boundaries.
B. EROSION CONTROL
6. All work is to be undertaken and completed in such a manner as to prevent the release of sediment to
any ravine, watercourse or storm sewer. An erosion and sediment control plan that involves
implementatfon prior to land clearing and site preparatfon and the careful tfming of constructfon is to
be provided in accordance with the requirements of the District’s Watercourse Protectfon Bylaw 6410 -
2006.
7. Silt fencing should be erected to prevent the movement of silt into the watercourse protectfon area
prior to any disturbance to the soil on the site.
8. Cutting and filling adjacent to watercourse protectfon areas is to be kept to a minimum incorporatfng
appropriate structural fill material and blending graded areas with natural slope, as supported by the
Hillside Policies of the Official Community Plan.
9. The District may require environmental impact studies, enhancement works, and monitoring in support
of development proposed to be located within a Watercourse Protectfon Area. Supportfng
documentatfon, technical studies, and recommendatfons with respect to impacts of the proposed
development may include the following:
a. A geotechnical slope stability and erosion control report;
b. A flood protectfon report;
c. A groundwater impact assessment report;
d. Wildlife habitat assessment report;
e. Vegetatfon impact assessment report; and
f. A detailed trail plan.
C. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
10. Natural vegetatfon is to be retained wherever possible to ensure minimal disruptfon to the
environment and to protect against slope failure. Land clearing adjacent to the watercourse protectfon
areas is to be restricted to a phased constructfon schedule.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 43
11. Habitat restoratfon landscaping of all bare or sparse riparian areas within the watercourse protectfon
area may be required. Vegetatfon species should be natfve of the area and be selected for erosion
control and fish and wildlife habitat values.
12. Stormwater outilows to the stream or leave area should have water quality and erosion control
features so as to minimize their impacts on fish habitat and in compliance with the District’s
stormwater management plans.
D. MONITORING
13. The implementatfon of required environmental mitfgatfve measures as designed and their maintenance
is to be monitored by a qualified environmental monitor.
Chapter 8, Page 44 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
8.10 NATURAL FEATURES
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
GUIDELINES
8.10.1 OBJECTIVES
1. To encourage sitfng of development and constructfon techniques that will respect areas of geological
concern and minimize erosion and recognize the limitatfons imposed by difficult soil conditfons and steep
slopes.
INTENT
The Natural Features Development Permit Area is hereby established for the preservatfon, protectfon,
restoratfon and enhancement of the natural environment and for development that is protected from
hazardous conditfons.
A Development Permit will be required for all development and subdivision actfvity or building permits
for:
all areas designated Conservatfon on Schedule B or all areas within 50 meters of an area
designated Conservatfon on Schedule B;
all lands with an average natural slope of greater than 15 percent;
all floodplain areas and forest lands identffied on Natural Features Schedule C.
In additfon to those circumstances outlined in Sectfon 8.4 Development Permit Exceptfons, a
Development Permit will not be required where a Watercourse Protectfon Development Permit has
been obtained as identffied in Sectfon 8.9.
The following environmental protectfon guidelines apply to development but are not necessarily
appropriate for all circumstances. In additfon, these guidelines may be varied with supportfng
documentatfon from a qualified professional at the discretfon of Council.
Security shall be taken as a conditfon of issuance of a Development Permit to ensure that the
Development Permit Guidelines are met.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 45
2. To encourage a high standard of infrastructure design and the sitfng and constructfon of utflity services
that will not negatfvely impact on the natural environment.
3. To retain natural vegetatfon where possible or on significant slopes, ravines in order to minimize
disruptfon to soils.
4. To ensure the subdivision of land recognizes the identffied protected area.
5. To require the sitfng of buildings to minimize environmental impacts on sensitfve areas, to limit grading
on slopes, and to address site characteristfcs and adjoining uses.
6. To maintain wildlife corridors and ensure vegetatfon and trees are maintained and conserved, or
alternatfvely planted as necessary, to control erosion, protect banks and enhance fish habitat.
7. To limit the extent of impervious surfaces on development sites to minimize runoff and allow stormwater
retentfon during rain events.
8.10.2 GUIDELINES
A. SOILS AND TOPOGRAPHIC CONSTRAINTS & EROSION CONTROL
1. Lot grading should be kept to a minimum to ensure maintenance of a maximum of the existfng
vegetatfon.
2. To prevent erosion, landscape disturbance should be minimized by retaining trees and natural vegetatfon
as much as possible and requiring replantfng or enhanced plantfng as soon as possible; providing a
minimum of cuts and fills and limitfng their depths, and minimizing terracing and earth grading; blending
graded areas with natural slope; minimizing amount of exposed raw earth by phasing of development and
on-site controls.
3. Sitfng adjacent to treed slopes and ravines should respect natural vegetatfon and may require additfonal
setbacks beyond the Zoning Bylaw.
4. The District may require engineering reports, and monitoring in support of development applicatfons in
environmentally sensitfve areas. Supportfng documentatfon, technical studies, and recommendatfons
with respect to impacts of the proposed development may include the following:
Chapter 8, Page 46 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
a. Technical justfficatfon for the possible modificatfon of lines defining areas of environmental sensitfvity
undertaken by a qualified environmental professional;
b. Analysis of soils and their capacity to accommodate development and appropriate soils handling
procedures that may be necessary or proposed undertaken by qualified professional engineer or
geoscientfst;
c. Slope analysis including recommendatfons for appropriate building setbacks or stabilizatfon
approaches undertaken by qualified professional engineer or geoscientfst;
d. Informatfon on proposed site drainage methods;
e. Flood protectfon and the identfficatfon of the 200 year floodplain boundary where applicable; and
f. Subsurface hydrological assessments to ensure appropriate and safe sitfng respectfng natural site
characteristfcs undertaken by a qualified environmental engineer or geoscientfst.
B. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
1. The District may require environmental impact studies, enhancement works, engineering reports, and
monitoring in support of development applicatfons in environmentally sensitfve areas. Supportfng
documentatfon, technical studies, and recommendatfons with respect to impacts of the proposed
development should include the following:
a. Ways and means to mitfgate potentfal fisheries impacts and enhance fish habitat undertaken by a
qualified environmental professional (e.g. encourage constructfon between June and September to
avoid spawning and smolt release; where instream modificatfons are proposed, apply no-net-loss
philosophy);
b. Identfficatfon of vegetatfon communitfes based on studies undertaken at appropriate tfme of year,
with comments on size, quantfty and locatfon of identffied significant species as well as rarity and
frequency of occurrence undertaken by a qualified environmental professional; and
c. Identfficatfon of wildlife species sightfngs and significance of such occurrence undertaken by a
qualified environmental professional.
2. Natural vegetatfon will be required to be retained where possible to ensure minimal disruptfon to the
environment. Existfng vegetatfon should be enhanced with new plantfng wherever constructfon actfvity
has destroyed vegetatfon.
C. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
1. Integrated storm and rain water management plans should:
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 47
a. Strive to reduce the amount of impervious surface with new development;
b. Promote the use of Best Management Practfces including permeable surface materials (e.g. gravel,
paving stones);
c. Maximize infiltratfon from frequently occurring rain events;
d. Maintain or improve water quality from the development site;
e. Maintain the site's discharge hydrography from peak flow events (i.e. 6 month, 2 year, 5 year); and
f. Locate stormwater facilitfes so as to minimize impacts to habitat areas.
D. MONITORING
1. The implementatfon of required environmental mitfgatfon measures as designed and their maintenance is
to be monitored by a qualified environmental monitor.
E. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Home design should accommodate natural grades to ensure that lot grading should be kept to a
minimum to retain a maximum of existfng vegetatfon for stormwater purposes.
2. Road grades should follow existfng grades as closely as possible to ensure minimal disruptfon of
slopes and vegetatfon.
3. Existfng vegetatfon should be enhanced with new plantfng wherever constructfon actfvity has
destroyed vegetatfon.
4. Public and private roads should be developed to an urban standard.
5. Sewage disposal utflitfes should be sited to ensure no threat to the groundwater and adjacent
watercourses. Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment may need to be consulted.
6. On-street parking may need to be eliminated where existfng topography renders development
adjacent to the street impractfcal or where the street serves wholly as an access road. Restrictfve
covenants to Ministry of Environment standards may be required.
Chapter 8, Page 48 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 49
8.11 TOWN CENTRE
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA
GUIDELINES
List of Figures
Development Permit Area Guidelines Purpose
How to Use These Guidelines Organization of the Guidelines 5
Part One: Town Centre Precincts
1. Downtown West Precinct
2. Civic Core 3. Downtown East Precinct 4. Port Haney and Waterfront
5. South Lougheed
6. Northview and Southview
Part Two: Town Centre Guidelines
Development Guidelines A. Building Setbacks, Form, Mass, and Height
A.1 Building Mass and Form A1.1 Maintain the mass and scale of buildings A1.2 Enhance the block with corner commercial buildings
A1.3 Accent corner buildings A1.4 Use pedestrian-scale design elements
A1.5 Feature pedestrian amenities
A1.6 Design large buildings into smaller modules A1.7 Accommodate street-fronting units
A1.8 Design flexible ground floor unit spaces A1.9 Ensure appropriate roof pitch
A1.10 Use design elements to reduce roof mass and scale
A1.11 Accommodate roof gardens, trellises, and green features
A.2 Building Heights
A2.1 Vary building heights A2.2 Maintain alignment of architectural features
A2.3 Integrate taller buildings
A2.4 Step back taller buildings A2.5 Match building heights at the end of blocks
A2.6 Manage phased development A2.7 Protect views
A2.8 Site buildings to capitalize on daylight and solar opportunities
A2.9 Protect solar access to surrounding buildings and minimize wind tunnel effects
A.3 Building Setbacks A3.1 Place buildings to reinforce sidewalk activity
A3.2 Situate building entrances for visibility
A3.3 Provide adequate throughways and lighting A3.4 Provide clear sight lines from building foyers and lobbies to allow
visual surveillance
A3.5 Separate residential entrances from commercial entrances A3.6 Respect existing buildings
A3.7 Distinguish entrances with arrival areas and courtyards A3.8 Locate ramps and entrances with lifts in areas that are highly visible
Chapter 8, Page 50 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
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Table Of Contents
8.11 Town Centre Development Permit Area Guidelines
B Building Façades, Materials and Colour
B.1 Building Façade B1.1 Address both sides of the block with corner commercial buildings
B1.2 Orient main entrances to face the sidewalk B1.3 Locate windows, doors, and entry features at the street level B1.4 Use a mix of common façade patterns and elements
B1.5 Reflect original façades and building scale B1.6 Respect original architectural elements
B1.7 Respect old and new design B1.8 Maintain the horizontal rhythm of the street wall B1.9 Provide a visual division between the street level and upper floors
B1.10 Include continuous canopies, awnings or overhangs B1.11 Ensure appropriate placement and materials for awnings or canopies
B1.12 Use exterior shading devices to block summer sun B1.13 Use windows to provide ‘eyes on the street’ B1.14 Enhance the public realm
B1.15 Ensure signage reflects building scale, character, and materials
B.2 Lighting
B2.1 Design outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution B2.2 Encourage energy efficient lighting
B.3 Building Materials B3.1 Enhance the public realm with high quality materials and detailing B3.2 Use materials consistently
B3.3 Avoid the use of inappropriate materials B3.4 Select environmentally responsible building materials
B3.5 Minimize the use of unsustainable building materials B3.6 Use a mix of quality materials B3.7 Consider life-cycle cost
B.4 Building Colours B4.1 Select appropriate colours
B4.2 Highlight architectural details, awnings, and entrances B4.3 Ensure a cohesive, consistent colour palette
B.5 Screening and Storage 1 B5.1 Locate and enclose trash, composting, and recycling to reduce visibility B5.2 Screen mechanical equipment
B5.3 Avoid conflict with neighbouring properties B5.4 Locate building ventilation systems to minimize noise and exhaust
C Building Site Considerations
C.1 Public Outdoor Space and Hardscapes
C1.1 Provide public outdoor space C1.2 Ensure public outdoor space is highly visible
C1.3 Provide connections between buildings, sidewalks, and outdoor open spaces C1.4 Ensure universal access for all public spaces
C1.5 Locate outdoor plazas to capture the sun C1.6 Provide hardscape elements to enhance the street environment
C1.7 Design hardscape elements as part of the building C1.8 Integrate pedestrian amenities with walls and/or landscaped areas C1.9 Provide public art
C1.10 Ensure new elements complement existing C1.11 Use materials that are functional, durable, and include recycled or
salvaged content C1.12 Provide smooth routes C1.13 Ensure barrier-free access
C1.14 Encourage the use of permeable paving systems .
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C.2 Parking and Parking Lots
C2.1 Provide minimum parking required underground C2.2 Screen large surface parking lots while maintaining surveillance
C2.3 Maximize pedestrian safety within parking lots
C2.4 Provide visible signage C2.5 Consider developing underground parking garages
C2.6 Locate adequate priority parking spaces in visible areas convenient to entrances
C2.7 Locate parking lot equipment away from the public street
C2.8 Use permeable pavement and infiltration devices on appropriate sites C2.9 Provide shade trees and landscaping
C2.10 Provide secure and sheltered bicycle storage facilities for short-term uses
C2.11 Provide long-term bicycle parking
C2.12 Provide end-of-trip facilities for cyclists
C.3 Lanes, Service, and Loading Areas
C3.1 Use lanes for service, parking access, and loading C3.2 Utilize lanes as secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughways
C3.3 Strengthen visual access of the lane C3.4 Minimize impervious paving of the lane
C3.5 Consider lanes as a community amenity
C3.6 Respect existing grades C3.7 Locate loading and service areas away from the street front
C3.8 Separate loading from parking and pedestrian paths C3.9 Screen loading areas
C.4 Street Trees and Landscape C4.1 Plant street trees
C4.2 Use the right species
C4.3 Minimize the use of high maintenance plants C4.4 Maximize the use of native and/or climate appropriate species
C4.5 Consider the inclusion of community gardens C4.6 Design and place landscape to facilitate year round moderation of the
internal building climate
C4.7 Minimize erosion potential C4.8 Maintain sight lines
C4.9 Provide adequate landscape maintenance C4.10 Consider incorporating landscape plantings for green roofs
C4.11 Incorporate low-impact stormwater features
C4.12 Consider rainwater collection for re-use C4.13 Use natural plantings and green space to support habitat
C4.14 Retain existing mature trees
Chapter 8, Page 52 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
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Development Permit Area Guidelines
List of Figures
Figure 1 Aerial view of Maple Ridge Town Centre
Figure 2 Town Centre precincts and corridors Figure 3 West precinct in context 60
Figure 4 West precinct character sketch 60Figure 5 West precinct 62
Figure 6 Civic core precinct in context 64
Figure 7 Civic core character sketch 64Figure 8 Civic core 66
Figure 9 East precinct in context 68Figure 10 East precinct character sketch 68
Figure 11 East precinct 70
Figure 12 Port Haney and Waterfront precinct in context 72Figure 13 Port Haney and Waterfront character sketch 72
Figure 14 Port Haney and Waterfront 74 Figure 15 Solo precinct in context 76
Figure 16 Solo precinct character sketch 76
Figure 17 Solo precinct 78Figure 18 North view and South view precincts in context 80
Figure 19 North view and South view character sketch 80Figure 20 North view and South view 82
Figure 21 Building setbacks, form, mass and height 88
Figure 22 Accommodate ground-oriented units 89Figure 23 Roof pitch 90
Figure 24 Step taller buildings back 91Figure 25 Use natural processes 92
Figure 26 Building placement and setbacks 93
Figure 27 Building entrances 94Figure 28 Corner commercial buildings 96
Figure 29 Reflect original façade and scale 97Figure 30 Continuous overhangs 98
Figure 31 Building materials 99
Figure 32 Screening 100Figure 33 Public plazas 102
Figure 34 Hardscape elements 103Figure 35 Public resting spaces 104
Figure 36 Parking 105
Figure 37 Rear parking 106Figure 38 Rear parking 107
Figure 39 Lanes 108Figure 40 Solar control 109
Figure 41 Maintain sight lines 110
Figure 42 Trees 111
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MAPLE RIDGE TOWN CENTRE
Purpose of Development Permit Area Guidelines
Development Permit Areas are designated under Section 919.1(1)(f) of the Local
Government Act to establish guidelines for the form and character of commercial,
industrial and multi-family residential development. Development Permit Areas address special development circumstances, and if a property is within a designated Area, certain types of development cannot proceed without Council
issuing a Development Permit. The District of Maple Ridge has Commercial,
Industrial, Multi-family, Intensive Residential, Watercourse Protection and Natural
Features Development Permit Areas (DPA) Guidelines that regulate land use development in designated areas.
All multi-family residential, flexible mixed-use, and commercial developments
located in the Town Centre are subject to the Town Centre Development Permit
Area Guidelines. Small lot Single-Family development in the Town Centre is subject to the Intensive Residential Development Permit Area Guidelines of the Official Community Plan. Pursuant with Section 919.1(1)(f), land-use
designations identified on the Town Centre Area Land-Use Designations Map,
Schedule 1, are designated as Development Permit Areas, as follows:
Town Centre Development Permit pursuant to Section 919.1(1)(f) of the Local Government Act for form and character applies to all lands designated Town Centre Commercial;
Flexible Mixed-Use; Low-Rise Apartment; Medium and High-
Rise Apartment; Ground-Oriented Multi-Family; Port Haney
Multi-Family, Commercial, and Mixed-Use; and Port Haney Heritage Adaptive Use.
All designations in the Town Centre are subject to the Watercourse Protection
Development Permit Area Guidelines and Natural Features Development Permit
Area Guidelines. In the event of a conflict between Town Centre DPA Guidelines and other area guidelines, the Town Centre DPA Guidelines take precedent.The Town Centre DPA Guidelines have been created to promote new development
that achieves the principles and policies of the official Town Centre Area Plan,
and in so doing creates an attractive, vibrant and sustainable Town Centre for the
District of Maple Ridge.
Chapter 8, Page 54 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
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IntroductionDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
How to Use the Guidelines
The Town Centre DPA Guidelines outline general performance and design
criteria for new development. Users of the guidelines to review this document
for design intent and rationale as they are taken into account for approval of
Development Permit applications. These Development Permit Guidelines complement other regulatory policies and bylaws found in the Town Centre Area Plan and the District of Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw, which must also be taken
into consideration for Development Permit Approval. Other accompanying
documents and resources may need to be consulted during a development
proposal process.
The guidelines are not intended as “blueprints” for design approval, rather they
are meant to encourage variety and creativity in application of the architectural
and site design elements of development proposals. To use the guidelines effectively, project proponents should take certain steps:
1. Become familiar with the precinct in which the proposed project is
located. The goal is to ensure the quality of the project is compatible with
the character, designated land uses and building forms of the Town Centre Precinct in which it lies.
2. Refer to the DPA guidelines when evaluating the impact of the design.
Check each guideline against the proposed development to assess if
the design is in keeping with the Town Centre Development Permit Area objectives.
3. Seek early review of the project. Making changes at the beginning of the
project is easier than at the end. Involving consultants and District staff early
on in the planning and design process helps to ensure the project is feasible, both economically and aesthetically.
In the event of a conflict between the Town Centre DPA Guidelines and the Town
Centre Area Land-Use Designations Schedule 1 adopted by the District, the latter should apply. In the event of a conflict between the Town Centre DPA Guidelines and regulations outlined in the District of Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw and the
District’s Sign Bylaw, the latter should take precedent. However, in the event of
a conflict between Town Centre DPA Guidelines and other area guidelines, the
Town Centre Guidelines take precedent.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 55
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IntroductionDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
Organization of the Town Centre DPA Guidelines
The guidelines document is divided into two main parts:
Part One: Town Centre Precincts provides an overview of the seven Town Centre Precincts: Downtown West, Civic Core, Downtown East, South of Lougheed, Port Haney & Waterfront; and two residential areas: North View and South View. It provides
information and guidance regarding the following three topics:
A. General Conditions and Character B. Land use and Associated Building Form C. Transportation and Circulation
Part One should be reviewed carefully to provide the context and unique character found
within each precinct. The precinct descriptions are brief, supplemented by diagrams, sketches and photos to exhibit the desired quality and character, as well as key development objectives and guidelines of each locale. Proposed development should be
considered in context with the applicable precinct. All new development within the Town
Centre should incorporate the key design strategies that reflect the precinct elements
described in association with the guidelines outlined in Part Two: Town Centre Guidelines.
Part Two: Town Centre Guidelines are divided into three key topics:
A. Building Form, Mass and Height
B. Building Façades, Materials, Screening and ColourC. Building Site Considerations
For each topic area development objectives and a discussion of intent is provided,
followed by specific guidelines as outlined:
Objective and DiscussionThe objective identifies the purpose and objective to be achieved or accomplished for the
topic area. The discussion outlines the intent and describes why this guideline is important
in achieving the overall goals and policies of the Town Centre Development Area Plan.
Development GuidelinesThe development guidelines are written statements of desired performance that establish
a qualitative level of design attainment to meet the design objective. The guidelines are
meant to provide possible design solutions for achieving architecture and site related
development objectives. The Guidelines apply to Ground-Oriented Multi-Family; Low-Rise Apartment; Medium & High-Rise Apartment; Flexible Mixed-Use; Town Centre Commercial; Port Haney Multi-Family, Commercial & Waterfront; and Port Haney Heritage
Adaptive Use. The lettered icons apply to development as follows.
TCC - Town Centre Commercial - applicable to commercial developments only (for example, an office building).
MU - Mixed-Use - applicable to mixed-used developments, with commercial on the
ground level and either offices or residential above.
MFR - Multi-Family Residential - applicable to ground-oriented developments and low-rise, medium-rise, and high-rise apartments.
Green Building Technique - this icon identifies guidelines that help to promote
green building practice and design.
Concept sketches and photos are provided with the guidelines to illustrate how the
objectives of the development guidelines might be achieved through design.
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Part One
Town Centre Precincts
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Figure 1: Aerial view of downtown Maple Ridge
Chapter 8, Page 58 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
Part One: Town Centre Precincts and Major Corridors
The Town Centre Development Permit Area Guidelines apply to seven precincts:
The Civic Core, Downtown West, Downtown East, South of Lougheed, Port
Haney, North View and South View as shown in Figure 2: Town Centre Precincts
& Corridors. Four major Town Centre routes including Dewdney Trunk Road, Lougheed Highway, 224th Street and 227th Street are important corridors
with associated land uses that also influence the form and character of the
Town Centre. Proposed development should respect the general conditions
and character outlined for each precinct. These precinct elements should be
considered in association with Part Two: Town Centre Guidelines for all new development.
For properties designated for single-family use, the District’s Intensive
Residential Development Permit Guidelines apply to intensive single-family
development. The Watercourse Protection and Natural Features Development Permit Guidelines apply throughout the Town Centre.
Figure 2: Town Centre Precincts & Major Corridors
Downtown West Precinct
Civic Core Precinct
Downtown East Precinct
South of Lougheed Precinct
Port Haney & Waterfront
Legend
Precincts
1 Downtown West2 Civic Core
3 Downtown East4 South of Lougheed
5 Port Haney & Waterfront
6 North View 7 South View
Lougheed Highway 227th Street224th StreetNorth View Precinct
South View Precinct
North View
South View
Civic Core East PrecinctWest Precinct
South of Lougheed
Port Haney & Waterfront
Dewdney Trunk Road
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Downtown West Precinct - General Conditions and Character
The West Precinct lies west of the Town Centre’s Civic Core, between Brown
Avenue to the north and Lougheed Highway to the south. It extends to the western-most border of the designated Town Centre area and east to 224th Street. This precinct hosts some mainstay stores and offers a unique shopping
district that could be improved and enhanced with revitalization and new
pedestrian-oriented commercial and mixed-use development. The smaller
lots and blocks, and traditional store fronts create a pedestrian-oriented, small scale and diverse shopping district. The area is an important central downtown neighbourhood, and could grow to accommodate boutique retail, arts and culture
centres, and tourism related services such as hotels and small scale conference
centres, in addition to multi-family residential development. New development
in this precinct should reference more traditional architectural styles, including Maple Ridge’s most desirable heritage or character brick buildings. This precinct is an important gateway to Maple Ridge for travelers heading east along
Dewdney Trunk Road and Lougheed Highway and a key link to the Centre’s Civic
Core.
Figure 3 - West Precinct in Context
Consider green features to manage
stormwater on site and increase building
efficiency.
Foster a pedestrian-oriented shopping and employment environment amongst
residential buildings.
Provide public outdoor spaces.
Create an attractive, pedestrian-oriented
appearance to the street.
Use street trees and
landscape elements to reinforce the vibrancy of the
Town Centre.
Use buildings façades, rooflines, materials
and details that reference more traditional
architectural styles.
Figure 4 - West Precinct Character Sketch
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The desired quality and character of the
Downtown West Precinct is a pedestrian-
oriented, small-scale and diverse shopping and residential area.
Downtown West Precinct
Key guideline concepts:
1 Provide a gateway to the Town Centre. New development should
promote the Downtown West Precinct as a Town Centre gateway for
eastbound travelers along Dewdney Trunk Road. A gateway element should have strong visual presence that features landmark structures, landscape elements, welcome signage, public art and/or enhanced
viewscapes to the mountains, while maintaining architectural quality and
character of associated new development. This concept applies mainly to
properties located on Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road.
2 Create a pedestrian-oriented, boutique-style shopping district. New
development in the Downtown West Precinct should foster a pedestrian-
oriented, boutique-style shopping and employment environment amongst
diverse residential buildings. A building’s form and mass should support a strong pedestrian-oriented urban realm and should help to define the street and sidewalk areas as active public spaces. Taller buildings (greater than
5 stories) should be stepped back in a podium style to blend with low-rise
(3-5 storey buildings) and provide a more ground-oriented feel.
3 Enhance the quality, character and vibrancy of the Town Centre. New development should promote the quality, character and vibrancy of
the urban environment. Colours should be fairly consistent, and materials
of sustainable quality. All new commercial, multi-family and mixed-use
buildings should create an attractive appearance to the street.
4 Reference traditional architectural styles. New development in the
Downtown West Precinct should reference more traditional architectural
styles, that include materials such as brick and wood. A cohesive building
style should be maintained, ensuring new buildings have consistent architectural and urban design setbacks, form, mass and height throughout the precinct.
5 Capitalize on important views. New development should capitalize
on important mountain and/or river views. Existing streets and buildings should maintain and enhance these views.
6 Provide public outdoor space. New developments should include
attractive, functional public outdoor spaces, where appropriate and
feasible. Outdoor spaces should be designed to accommodate a wide use of activities, incorporate universal access, reduce vandalism, and increase safety.
7 Provide climate appropriate landscaping and green features. New
development should provide landscape elements that reinforce the urban character and vibrancy of the Town Centre. Landscape elements should enrich the pedestrian-friendly character of streets in the precinct, moderate
the internal building climate, help manage stormwater on site, and
reference the architectural quality of new buildings. Where feasible, mature
trees should be retained, vegetation suitable for the Maple Ridge climate should be planted, and green roofs and walls should be considered.
8 Maintain street interconnectivity. New development should maintain
street interconnectivity and the traditional use of the lane as a service
street and secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughway. Where feasible, parking requirements should be accommodated underground.
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Downtown West Precinct - Land Use and Building Form
Land uses for the West Precinct include Town Centre Commercial, Mixed-Use,
and Multi-family Residential in the form of low and high residential apartments. The area lends itself to accommodating artist live/work units, studios and rehearsal space, small-scale commercial enterprises, and larger commercial
and mixed-use buildings integrated among residential units. These uses can
support a variety of building forms. The residential units can range in density
from townhouses, to low rise three to five storey apartments, to high-rises over 20 storeys in height. A building’s form will largely be influenced by parcel size and the height and size requirements in the applicable zone. Refer to the Town
Centre Area Land-Use Designations Schedule 1 for official information about
land use designations in this precinct. 2.Low-Rise Apartmentsupports development of apartmentforms of dwelling that are 3 to 5 storeyswith underground parking.
4.Flexible Mixed-use
supports buildings with flexible ground-floor units that can easily be retrofittedbetween residential and commercialuses.
1.Ground-Oriented Multi-family supportsground-oriented attached housing, suchas row house, town house, or stackedtownhouse form.
Land Use Descriptions
5.Town Centre Commercial
supports a range of commercial only,to mixed-use, to residential only in a
variety of building forms from 3 storeys
to 20+ storeys in height.222nd Street223rd StreetSelkirk Avenue
McIntosh Avenue
119th Avenue
Lougheed Highway
Dewdney Trunk Road
Figure 5 - West precinct 224th Street3.Medium & High-Rise Apartment supports development of apartment forms of dwelling that are 5 to 20 storeys with underground parking.
Brown Avenue
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
Downtown West Precinct - Transportation and Circulation
The Town Centre’s major transportation corridors, Dewdney Trunk Road and
Lougheed Highway, bind the West Precinct to the north and south respectively.Walking and biking along these routes could be better accommodated throughsidewalk and streetscape improvements and biking could be improved through
designated bike lanes. Selkirk Avenue should be developed as an “off Lougheed
Bike Route” to accommodate safe bicycle travel from the western edge of the
Town Centre. Increasing bike and pedestrian traffic on Selkirk could also serve to enhance small scale commercial services, such as cafés and bike shops, suitable to the mixed-use land use in the precinct. The Maple Ridge Town
Centre Multi-Modal Transportation Network Map should be referenced for more
information about specific pedestrian, bicycle and green street routes and
connections to be improved upon or created with all new development proposed in the West Precinct.
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Civic Core - General Conditions and Character
The Civic Core acts as the municipal and public node of Maple Ridge Town
Centre. It is bound to the north by Brown Avenue and to the south by Lougheed
Highway. It extends west to 224th Street and east to 227th Street. The area
offers important mountain views from 226th Street northward. There are also notable views over the park from the ACT looking west and looking east from
224th Street. The Civic Core hosts Maple Ridge’s key community buildings and
parks including the District Hall, the Library, the Leisure Centre, the ACT theatre
and Cultural Centre, and Memorial Peace Park. This precinct is recognized as
Maple Ridge’s cultural hub. These important cultural facilities provide places for social gatherings, events, festivals and celebrations. Community members
suggest the area has “amazing potential beyond what is already positive.” They
indicate that more intense mixed-use commercial development in the area
could bring more people living, working and playing in the area and a greater
community vibrancy within the Civic Core. New development in the area should provide more retail activity, higher density housing, improve pedestrian and
bicycle accessibility and build upon the Core’s great public spaces. The area
should foster building design that has strong urban form, reflective of Maple
Ridge’s heritage characteristics.
Figure 6 - Civic Core Precinct in Context
Incorporate consistent, pedestrian-scaled
designs and reference historic Maple Ridge character.
Provide entrances and details which address open, safe public spaces and
accessibility.
Develop landscaped streets that
incorporate stormwater infiltration, and
provide shade for sidewalks, streets and buildings.
Provide on-street
or underground
parking.
Figure 7 - Civic Core Character Sketch
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The Civic Core is the heart of Maple
Ridge’s civic and community activity with a high quality and vibrant pedestrian
environment.
Civic Core
Key guideline concepts:
1 Promote the Civic Core as the “heart” of the Town Centre. New
development should promote the Civic Core as the heart of the Maple
Ridge Town Centre. Anchored by a cluster of civic facilities and Memorial Peace Park, the Civic Core should follow the examples of these buildings and public spaces to accomodate public gatherings, festivals and parades,
and create a vibrant pedestrian atmosphere. New development should
enhance the quality, character and vibrancy of this important urban
environment. Colours should be harmonious, and materials of sustainable quality. All new commercial, multi-family and mixed-use buildings should create an attractive appearance to the street.
2 Create a pedestrian-oriented, boutique-style shopping district.
New development in the Civic Core should foster a pedestrian-oriented, boutique-style shopping and employment environment amongst diverse residential buildings. A building’s form and mass should support a strong
pedestrian-oriented urban realm and should help to define the street and
sidewalk areas as active public spaces. Taller buildings (greater than 5
stories) should be stepped back in a podium style to blend with low-rise (3-5 storey buildings) and provide a more ground-oriented feel.
3 Reference traditional architectural styles. New development in the Civic
Core, like the West precinct, should reference more traditional architectural
styles, including Maple Ridge’s most desirable heritage and/or character brick buildings. A cohesive building style should be maintained, ensuring new buildings have consistent architectural and urban design setbacks,
form, mass and height throughout the precinct.
4 Capitalize on important views. New development should capitalize on important mountain views that extend northwards, particularly from 226th street. Existing streets and buildings should maintain and enhance these
views.
5 Enhance existing cultural activities and public open space. New developments should include attractive, functional public outdoor spaces that build upon and enhance the existing cultural activities and public
spaces in the Civic Core, such as the Library, ACT Theatre and Memorial
Peace Park. Outdoor spaces should be designed to accommodate a wide
use of activities, incorporate universal access, reduce vandalism, and increase safety.
6 Provide climate appropriate landscaping and green features. New
development should provide landscape elements that reinforce the urban
character and vibrancy of the Town Centre. Landscape elements should enrich the pedestrian-friendly character of streets in the precinct, moderate the internal building climate, manage stormwater on site, and reference the
architectural quality of new buildings. Where feasible, mature trees should
be retained, vegetation suitable for the Maple Ridge climate should be
planted, and green roofs and walls should be considered.
7 Maintain street interconnectivity. New development should maintain
street interconnectivity and the traditional use of the lane as a service
street and secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughway. Where
feasible, parking requirements should be accommodated underground.
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Civic Core - Land Use and Building Form
Most of the land use in the Civic Core is designated Town Centre Commercial.
The intent of this zone is to develop a walkable, vibrant, and successful
compact commercial area. Allowable uses range from commercial, to mixed-
use commercial/residential to residential apartments only. Primary façades of all commercial buildings should be designed to improve the pedestrian realm.
Facing streets, parks, greenways or other public amenities. The Civic Core is
comprised of institutional uses including the Municipal Hall, RCMP, The ACT
Theatre, the Leisure Centre, Greg Moore Youth Centre and the public library.
Memorial Park is an important active park space for Maple Ridge Town Centre. The designated land uses can support a variety of building forms. These
forms can range from 3 storeys to over 20 storeys, depending on the land-use
designation. A building’s form will largely be influenced by parcel size and the
height and size requirements in the applicable zone. Refer to the Town Centre
Area Land-Use Designations Schedule 1 for official information about land use designations in this precinct.
Land Use Descriptions
Lougheed Highway224th StreetDewdney Trunk Road
1.Town Centre Commercial
supports a range of commerical only,
to mixed-use, to residential only in avariety of building forms from 3 storeys
to 20+ storeys in height.
3.Medium & High-Rise Apartment supports development of apartment forms of dwelling that are 5 to 20 storeys with underground parking.
Figure 8 - Civic core 227th StreetBrown Avenue
226th Street2.Low-Rise Apartmentsupports development of apartmentforms of dwelling that are 3 to 5 storeyswith underground parking.
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Civic Core - Transportation and Circulation
The Civic Core’s central location and mix of community buildings and resources
makes it an important destination and a prime area for a transit hub and proposed
as a future terminus area for rapid transit into Maple Ridge (terminus location is
yet to be determined).
New development should maintain and enhance pedestrian and bicycle
connections, crosswalks, throughways and accessibility. The Maple Ridge Town
Centre Multi-Modal Transportation Network, Section 5.0 of the Town Centre Area
Plan (see Multi-Modal Transportatio Nework Map, Figure 1) should be referenced
for more information about specific pedestrian, bicycle and green street routes
and connections to be improved upon or created with all new development
proposed in the Civic Core.
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Downtown East Precinct- General Considerations and Character
The East Precinct lies directly east of the Town Centre’s Civic Core, between
Brown Avenue to the north, Lougheed Highway to the south, 227th Street to the West, and Burnett to the east. It extends to the eastern-most border of the designated Town Centre area. The area offers great potential for new
development that can contribute to more urban and pedestrian-oriented
development. Currently, the Valley Fair Mall resides between 227th Street
and 228th Street and serves as an anchor for businesses in the precinct. Infill development of the mall site with medium density residential development above first floor commercial that faces 227th street, should be encouraged. A
number of large and/or underdeveloped lots in the area can accommodate a
variety of building forms, from single-storey bigger box commercial to mixed-use
commercial buildings with residential above, provided the building orients to the street and offers a pedestrian-friendly façade. Medium to high density residential high-rise towers can also be accommodated in the East Precinct. North of 226th
Street (in the Civic Core Precinct) offers beautiful views to the mountains. These
views should be carefully analyzed and maintained for all development proposals
that may have a potential impact. Finally, the East Precinct is an important gateway to and from Town Centre for travelers along Dewdney Trunk Road and Lougheed Highway.
Figure 9 - East Precinct in Context
Consider green features to mitigate
stormwater on site and increase building
efficiency.
The Precinct can accommodate medium- to high-density residential towers, provided
they respect existing views.
Provide public outdoor spaces.
Create an attractive, pedestrian scale building façade at the the street.
Use street trees and landscape elements to
enhance the streetscape and reinforce the
vibrancy of the Town Centre.
Maintain street interconnectivity and use of lanes.
Figure 10 - East Precinct Character Sketch
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
Downtown East Precinct
Key guideline concepts:
1 Provide a gateway to the Town Centre. New development should
promote the Downtown East Precinct as a Town Centre gateway for
travelers heading west along Dewdney Trunk Road and Lougheed Highway. A gateway element should have strong visual presence that features landmark structure(s), landscape elements, welcome signage,
public art and/or enhanced viewscapes to the mountains, while maintaining
architectural quality and character of associated new development.
2 Create a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use commercial area. New development in the Downtown East Precinct should foster a pedestrian-
oriented, mixed-use commercial area with a portion of medium to high
density residential development. New development should promote the
East Precinct as an important new commercial and residential urban environment in downtown Maple Ridge. A building’s form and mass should support a strong pedestrian-oriented urban realm and should help to define
the street and sidewalk areas as active public spaces. Taller buildings
(greater than 5 stories) should be stepped back in a podium style to blend
with low-rise (3-5 storey buildings) and provide a more ground-oriented feel.
3 Enhance the quality, character and vibrancy of the Town Centre. New
development should inform the quality, character and vibrancy of the urban
environment. Colours should be harmonious and materials of sustainable quality. All new commercial, multi-family and mixed-use buildings should create an attractive appearance to the street and should maintain a
cohesive building style. The precinct can accommodate a variety of
building forms, from single-storey bigger box commercial to mixed-use
commercial buildings with residential above, provided the building orients to the street and offers a pedestrian-friendly façade.
4 Capitalize on important views. New development within proximity to
226th Street should protect important mountain views to the north. Existing
streets and buildings should maintain and enhance these views.
5 Provide public outdoor space. New developments should include
attractive, functional public outdoor spaces, where appropriate and
feasible. Outdoor spaces should be designed to accommodate a wide use
of activities, incorporate universal access, reduce vandalism, and increase safety.
6 Provide climate appropriate landscaping and green features. New
development should provide landscape elements that reinforce the urban
character and vibrancy of the Town Centre. Landscape elements should enrich the pedestrian-friendly character of streets in the precinct, moderate the internal building climate, manage stormwater on site, and reference the
architectural quality of new buildings. Where feasible, mature trees should
be retained, vegetation suitable for the Maple Ridge climate should be
planted, and green roofs and walls should be considered.
7 Maintain street interconnectivity. New development should maintain
street interconnectivity and the traditional use of the lane as a service
street and secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughway. Where
feasible, parking requirements should be accommodated underground.
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Lougheed Highway 227th Street119th Avenue
Downtown East Precinct - Land Use and Building Form
Land use designations for the East Precinct include Town Centre Commercial
and Multi-family Residential. Town Centre Commercial uses can range from
commercial, mixed-use, to residential only (see Schedule G in the Maple
Ridge Zoning Bylaw for properties where ground floor commercial use is required). Heights may vary from 3 to 20-plus storey buildings. Depending on
the specific designation (see side-bar at right), multi-family residential can be
in the form of compact ground-oriented 2 to 3-storey townhouses, row houses,
or stacked townhouses*, to low to high-rise apartments three to 20 plus storeys
in height. The designated land uses can support a variety of building forms. A building’s form will largely be influenced by parcel size and the height and size
requirements in the applicable zone. Refer to the Town Centre Area Land-Use
Designations Schedule 1 for official information about land use designations in
this precinct.
Land Use Descriptions
3.Low-Rise Apartmentsupports development of 3-5storey apartment dwellings withunderground parking.
4.Ground-Oriented Multi-familysupports ground-orientedattached housing, such as rowhouse, town house, or stackedtownhouse form.
2.Town Centre Commercialsupports a range of commerical only,
to mixed-use, to residential only in avariety of building forms from 3 storeys
to 20+ stories in height.228th StreetDewdney Trunk Road
Figure 11 - East precinct
1.Medium & High-Rise Apartment supports development of apartment forms of dwelling that are 5 to 20 storeys with underground parking.
*A maximum 4-storey height may be
permitted for a stacked townhouseform, see Land-Use policies in Section 3.0
of the Town Centre Area Plan.
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
Downtown East Precinct - Transportation and Circulation
227th Street is seen as a key connection for the Downtown East Precinct.
Multi-modal transportation options in the area could be improved with further
pedestrian and bicycle connections, including a designated bikeway through
Valley Fair Mall parking lot, to and from the Civic Core and the Waterfront. The Maple Ridge Town Centre Multi-Modal Transportation Network Map should
be referenced for more information about specific pedestrian, bicycle and
green street routes and connections to be improved upon or created with new
development proposed in this precinct.
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Port Haney and Waterfront - General Considerations and Character
Historically, Port Haney served as Maple Ridge’s commercial hub. This precinct
is bounded by the west boundary of the Town Centre Centre, 117th Avenue,
224th Street (however, includes some properties on the east side of 224th)
and continues along the waterfront to the east boundary of the Town Centre. A number of important heritage buildings still remain, including Haney House, Billy Miner Pub and St. Andrews Chuch, and continue to accommodate important
community functions. The precinct is within walking distance of the new Civic
Core, and serves as a vital walkable link to key destinations including the Fraser
River waterfront and the West Coast Express train station. Ample community parks, open space, and sweeping views to the Fraser River provide a scenic setting. Creating a connection between the waterfront and the Town Centre
is encouraged, with tourism-oriented uses, and this will be enhanced with a
proposed multi-modal pathway along the waterfront. Port Haney’s historic roots,
heritage character, waterfront access, green space and river and mountain views should be maintained and enhanced with any new development.
Figure 12 - Port Haney Precinct in Context
Reference historic building forms and
present a cohesive building style, with consistent architectural and urban
design setbacks.
Maintain and enhance walkable links
to key destinations throughout the precinct.
Support tourism-oriented mixed-use
commercial development.
Provide street trees and landscape
elements that reinforce the urban character and vibrancy of the Town Centre.
Accomodate on-street parking.
Figure 13 - Port Haney and Waterfront
Character Sketch
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
Port Haney and Waterfront
Key guideline concepts:
1 Promote Port Haney and the Waterfront as an important heritage, tourism-oriented area. New development should promote Port Haney and
the Waterfront as an important heritage area in downtown Maple Ridge.
Port Haney and the Waterfront includes existing heritage commercial and
residential buildings, green space, waterfront access and views which should be preserved and enhanced. Additional heritage-style mixed-use commercial and residential development geared at promoting tourism,
should increase the vibrancy of this Precinct.
2 Provide a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use commercial and residential environment. New development in Port Haney and the Waterfront should foster a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use commercial and residential
environment. A building’s form and mass should reference Maple Ridge’s
heritage, with materials and/or design features, and support a strong
pedestrian-oriented urban realm, defining the street and sidewalk areas as active public spaces.
3 Enhance the heritage quality, character and vibrancy of Port Haney
and the Waterfront. New development should promote the quality,
character and vibrancy of the urban environment. Colours should be harmonious, and materials of sustainable quality. All new commercial, multi-family and mixed-use buildings should create an attractive
appearance to the street and should maintain a cohesive building style.
New buildings should have consistent architectural and urban design
setbacks, form, mass and height throughout the precinct, and also should reference heritage designs.
4 Capitalize on important views. New development should capitalize on
Port Haney’s mountain and waterfront views. Existing streets, open space
and buildings should maintain and enhance these views.
5 Provide outdoor space. New developments should include attractive,
functional outdoor spaces and connections, particularly from Port Haney to
the Waterfront. Public outdoor spaces should be designed to accommodate
a wide use of activities, incorporate universal access, reduce vandalism, and increase safety.
6 Provide climate appropriate landscaping and green features. New
development should provide landscape elements that reinforce the urban
character, history and vibrancy of the Town Centre. Landscape elements should enrich the pedestrian-friendly character of streets in the precinct, moderate the internal building climate, manage stormwater on site, and
reference the architectural quality of new buildings. Where feasible, mature
trees should be retained, vegetation suitable for the Maple Ridge climate
should be planted, and green roofs and walls should be considered.
7 Maintain street interconnectivity. New development should maintain
street interconnectivity and the traditional use of the lane as a service
street and secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughway. Vital pedestrian
connections linking the Town Centre to the Fraser River Waterfront and West Coast Express train station should be enhanced. Where feasible, parking requirements should be accommodated underground.
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MAPLE RIDGE TOWN CENTRE
H
a
n
e
y
B
y
p
a
s
s 224th StreetSt Anne Avenue
Port Haney - Land Use and Building Form
Land in the Port Haney Precinct is designated Port Haney Heritage Adaptive Use; Port Haney Multi-Family, Commercial and Mixed-Use; Low Rise Apartment.
The Low-Rise Apartment supports buildings at a maximum height of 4 storeys.
The Port Haney Multi-Family, Commercial and Mixed-Use offers flexibility
and supports Multi-Family (ground-oriented and apartment), Mixed-Use, and
Commercial uses. Port Haney Heritage Adaptive Use recognizes the heritage value of properties in this area and encourages conservation by permitting
adaptive uses, outlined in the corresponding zones. For properties close to
the waterfront, tourism-oriented mixed-use commercial development will be
encouraged. Access to the Fraser River waterfront from Port Haney will be
enhanced through a proposed new walkway and wharf.
A building’s form will largely be influenced by parcel size and the height and size
requirements in the applicable zone. Refer to the Town Centre Area Land-Use
Designations Schedule 1 for official information about land use designations in
this precinct.
Land Use Descriptions
2. Low-Rise Apartment supports development apartment dwellings with underground parking.
3. Commercial
supports a range of commerical only, to mixed-use in maximum 4 storey form.
1. Ground-Oriented Multi-family
supports ground-oriented attached housing, such as row house, town house, or stacked townhouse.
Figure 14 - Port Haney and Waterfront
117th Avenue
116th Avenue
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
Port Haney - Transportation and Circulation
224th Street through Port Haney from the Downtown Core serves as a key
transportation route in the Town Centre. The precinct could benefit fromdesignated off-street pedestrian and bicycle connections along 224th Street
to the waterfront and the West Coast Express train station. The pedestrian
underpass should be improved to safely accommodate mobility aids, strollers and
bicycles and provide an informative route for tourists and residents highlighting
the waterfront and various historical Maple Ridge facts. Other pedestrianconnections should be made along Haney Bypass to the greenway trail and
proposed bicycle and pedestrian routes along the waterfront. The Maple Ridge
Town Centre Multi-Modal Transportation Network Map should be referenced for
more information about specific pedestrian, bicycle and greenway routes and
connections to be improved upon or created with all new development proposed in this precinct.
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South of Lougheed - General Considerations and Character
The South of Lougheed Precinct, or SOLO, is located immediately south of
the Lougheed Highway corridor, from the western Town Centre boundary to its eastern-most boundary. The area serves as a key transportation and transit corridor for Maple Ridge, supporting commercial, mixed-use commercial and
higher density residential development along its route. SOLO would benefit
from a revitalization of street-oriented, commercial and mixed-use development,
alongside higher density residential infill. Smaller lot sizes that line Lougheed from 223rd Street to 227th Street provide the opportunity to accommodate 3-4 storey “boutique” commercial stores with residential or office space above. These
blocks should be enhanced with corner commercial buildings, particularly at the
west and east gateways of the Civic Core precinct. Larger lots east of 227th
Street offer more flexibility in terms of redevelopment intensity. These lots should accommodate higher density, more intense office and commercial development, provided it maintains a street front and improves the streetscape along Lougheed
Highway. South of the corridor, intensive residential infill development will offer
the precinct, and the downtown core, the vibrancy needed to sustain local
commercial, recreation and employment opportunities.
Figure 15 - SOLO Precinct in Context
Capitalize on important mountain and/or
river views.
Enhance the pedestrian realm along
Lougheed Highway with improved multi-modal access, connectivity and safety.
Revitalize street-oriented commercial and mixed-use development with higher-density
residential infill.
Maintain a cohesive building style, using harmonious colours and sustainable
materials.
Enhance the quality, character and vibrancy
of the urban context with attractive,
functional public outdoor spaces.
Figure 16 - SOLO Character Sketch
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
South of Lougheed (SOLO)
Key guideline concepts:
1 Develop a diverse shopping, employment and residential district.
New development should establish South of Lougheed as an important
commercial, office and residential corridor in downtown Maple Ridge. The Lougheed corridor is already an important commercial destination, transportation and transit corridor, and would benefit from a revitalization
of street-oriented mixed-use commercial development. Additional higher
density residential infill should increase the vibrancy of this Precinct.
2 Create pedestrian-oriented streetscapes. New development South of Lougheed should foster a pedestrian-oriented, shopping and employment
environment amongst diverse commercial, office and residential mixed-use
buildings. A building’s form and mass should support a strong pedestrian-
oriented street front and should help to define the street and sidewalk areas as active public spaces. Taller buildings (greater than 5 stories) should be stepped back in a podium style to blend with low-rise (3-5 storey
buildings) and provide a more ground-oriented feel.
3 Enhance the quality, character and vibrancy of SOLO. New development should inform the quality, character and vibrancy of the urban environment. Colours should be harmonious, and materials sustainable.
All new commercial, multi-family and mixed-use buildings should create an
attractive appearance to the street.
4 Maintain cohesive building styles. New development South of Lougheed should maintain a cohesive building style. New buildings should have
consistent architectural and urban design setbacks, form, mass and
height throughout the Precinct. That said, there is opportunity in South
of Lougheed to explore a variety of building forms, including row houses, stacked townhouses, and over 20 storey or higher residential apartment buildings.
5 Capitalize on important views. New development should capitalize
on important mountain and/or river views. Existing streets and buildings should maintain and enhance these views.
6 Provide public outdoor space. New developments should include
attractive, functional public outdoor spaces. Outdoor spaces should be
designed to accommodate a wide use of activities, incorporate universal access, reduce vandalism, and increase safety.
7 Provide climate appropriate landscaping and green features. New
development should provide landscape elements that reinforce the urban
character and vibrancy of the Town Centre. Landscape elements should enrich the pedestrian-friendly character of streets in the precinct, moderate the internal building climate, manage stormwater on site, and reference the
architectural quality of new buildings. Where feasible, mature trees should
be retained, vegetation suitable for the Maple Ridge climate should be
planted, and green roofs and walls should be considered.
8 Maintain street interconnectivity. New development should maintain
street interconnectivity and the traditional use of the lane as a service
street and secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughway. Where
feasible, parking requirements should be accommodated underground.
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Land Use Descriptions
227th StreetLougheed Highway
224thSouth of Lougheed - Land Use and Building Form
Designated land uses for SOLO include Town Centre Commercial, Low-Rise
Apartments and Ground-Oriented Multi-Family. Town Centre Commercial can
range from three storey pedestrian-oriented buildings to over 20 storeys in height and may permit commercial, mixed-use, or multi-family residential (see Schedule G of the Maple Ridge Zoning Bylaw to see where ground floor commercial is
required). Multi-family residential can be in the form of compact ground-oriented
town houses, row houses, or stacked townhouses, to low rise apartments three
to five storeys in height (see specific designations for maximum heights).
A building’s form will largely be influenced by parcel size and the height and size
requirements in the applicable zone. Refer to the Town Centre Area Land-Use
Designations Schedule 1 for official information about land use designations in
this precinct.
2. Low-Rise Apartment supports development of 3-5 storey apartment dwellings with underground parking.
Figure 17 - Solo precinct
3. Ground-Oriented Multi-family
supports ground-oriented attached housing, such as row house, townhouse or stacked townhouse form.
1. Town Centre Commercial
supports a range of commerical only,
to mixed-use, to residential only in a variety of building forms from 3 storeys
to 20+ storeys in height.
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
South of Lougheed - Transportation and Circulation
Lougheed Highway is the core transportation corridor for the Town Centre and
the District. It provides a significant multi-modal connection for pedestrians,
bicycles, and vehicles from the western Town Centre boundary to the east. Lougheed Highway also serves as a key transit corridor, connecting people to and from the Town Centre to the larger District and the entire Metro Vancouver
region. Lougheed should be improved as a key transit route, with bus stops
every 400 metres through the Town Centre. In addition, improvements to
the streetscape to enhance aesthetics and safely accomodate bicycle and pedestrian access along Lougheed Highway should be considered with all new development. An off-Lougheed bicycle and pedestrian connection is proposed
along Selkirk Avenue. Designated north and south bicycle and pedestrian
connections along 224th and 227th streets will improve links through the precinct
to the Civic Core, the Waterfront and West Coast Express Station. Rapid transit is proposed along Lougheed Highway with a terminus in the Civic Core (NOTE: exact route and terminus location not yet determined). A proposed greenway
trail near 227th street connects the precinct to a community park. The Maple
Ridge Town Centre Multi-Modal Transportation Network Section 5.0 and the
corresponding Figure 2 Map in the Town Centre Area Plan should be referenced for more information about specific pedestrian, bicycle and greenway routes and connections to be improved upon or created with all new development proposed
in this precinct.
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North View and South View - General Considerations and CharacterTwo significant multi-family residential neighbourhoods comprise the Town
Centre both north and south of the core precincts. These single-family and
multi-family neighbourhoods offer a mix of housing types at various densities
to provide housing choices for people of varying ages, family sizes and income levels. The location of multi-family housing close to the Civic Core, the East and West Precincts and SOLO, which enable many multi-family residents with easy
access to transportation choices, shops and services. This serves to enhance
the vibrancy and viability of shops and businesses in the downtown core.
Ground-oriented multi-family, including row houses, townhouses, and stacked townhouses should be designed as a transition to single-family residential development predominant north of the downtown core. The street pattern, block
configuration and building character should be referenced through appropriate
building mass and form, as well as use of gabled roofs, front façades and
doorways that reflect single-family character. Adequate private and semi-private green space, such as front, back and courtyards should be included in multi-family residential site layout. Higher density low-, mid- and high-rise apartments
should be pedestrian-oriented with main entrances fronting public sidewalks,
shallow setbacks, street-friendly façades and semi-public outdoor spaces.
Figure 18 - North View and South View
Precincts in Context
Include a mix of housing types at various densities. Incorporate building details such as gabled
roofs and front façades within a shallow
setback.
Enhance pedestrian streetscapes to promote walkability to and from the Town
Centre and Civic Core.
Include private and semi-private green
spaces in multi-family developments. Maintain and enhance street
interconnectivity and laneways. Figure 19 - North View and South View
Character Sketch
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
North View and South View
Key guideline concepts:
1 Promote North and South View as distinctive, highly liveable multi-
family neighbourhoods. New development should promote North View
and South View as important, highly liveable multi-family neighbourhoods in the Town Centre. The neighbourhoods are already important residential areas with a mix of housing types, at varying densities, and this mix should
be preserved and enhanced. Additional ground-oriented, medium to higher
density residential uses should increase the vibrancy of this Precinct.
2 Create a pedestrian-friendly, ground-oriented, multi-family community. New development in the North and South Views should foster
a pedestrian-oriented, residential environment amongst diverse multi-
family, predominantly ground-oriented buildings. A building’s form and
mass should support a strong pedestrian-oriented urban realm and should help to define the street and sidewalk areas as active public spaces. Taller buildings (greater than 4 storeys) should be stepped back in a podium
style to blend with low-rise (3-5 storey buildings) and provide a more
ground-oriented feel.
3 Maintain cohesive building styles. New development in the North and South View should maintain a cohesive building style. New buildings
should have consistent architectural and urban design setbacks, form,
mass and height throughout the precinct. There is opportunity in these
areas to explore a variety of building forms, including triplexes, fourplexes, row houses and townhouses. Colours should be harmonious, and materials sustainable. All new multi-family and commercial mixed-use buildings
should create an attractive appearance to the street.
4 Capitalize on important views. New development should capitalize on important mountain and/or river views. Existing streets and buildings should maintain and enhance these views.
5 Provide private and semi-private green space. New development
should include attractive, private and semi-private green spaces. Front and back courtyards in multi-family developments and outdoor spaces should be designed to incorporate universal accessibility, reduce vandalism, and
increase safety.
6 Provide climate appropriate landscaping and green features. New development should provide landscape elements that reinforce the urban character and vibrancy of the Town Centre. Landscape elements should
enrich the pedestrian-friendly character of streets in the precinct, moderate
the internal building climate, manage stormwater on site, and reference the
architectural quality of new buildings. Where feasible, mature trees should be retained, native vegetation should be planted, and green roofs and walls should be considered.
7 Maintain street interconnectivity. New development should maintain
street interconnectivity and the traditional use of the lane as a service street and secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughway. Allocated parking areas should not intrude upon the urban, pedestrian-oriented
quality of the Town Centre.
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MAPLE RIDGE TOWN CENTRE
Land Use Descriptions
1.Medium and High-Rise Apartment supports development of apartment forms of dwelling that are a minimum of 5 storeys and may reach over 20 storeys.
2.Low-Rise Apartmentsupports development of 3-5storey apartment dwellings withunderground parking.
3.Ground-Oriented Multi-familysupports ground-orientedattached housing, such as rowhouse, townhouse, or stackedtownhouse form.
North View and South View - Land Use and Building FormThe Town Centre north and south residential neighbourhoods as identified in
Figure 2: Town Centre Precincts and Corridors are designated predominantly
Single-Family Residential, Ground-Oriented Multi-Family and Low-Rise
Apartment (see Land-Use Designations Schedule 1). A building’s form will
largely be influenced by parcel size and the height and size requirements in the applicable zone. Refer to the Town Centre Area Land-Use Designations
Schedule 1 for official information about land use designations in this precinct.
Figure 20 - North View and South View
Brown Avenue224th Street227th Street227th Street225th Street116th
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Town Centre PrecinctsDevelopment Permit Area Guidelines
North View and South View - Transportation and Circulation
224th and 227th Street are key north and south transportation corridors for both of these Town Centre precincts. Dewdney Trunk Road is a major east to west
connection for the North area, while 124th Avenue/ Reid Avenue and Brown
Avenue from 224th Street to Greenwell Street, provide important east-west
linkages. In the south Multi-family Residential area, east and west connections
are limited due to topography. Opportunities to improve street connectivity from 116th Avenue and Fraser Street to 224th Street and/or the Haney Bypass should
be investigated with new development proposals. Street improvements that
enhance pedestrian and bicycle access and movement should be made along
key north-south and east-west corridors in both residential areas. Completion
of greenway trails from 116th Avenue to Lougheed Highway in the South Area and from Brown Avenue to 124th Avenue in the North should be considered in
development proposals of associated properties.
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Chapter 8, Page 84 Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014
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Part Two
Town Centre Guidelines
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Development Permit Area Guidelines
Development Guidelines
The development guidelines are written statements of desired performance that establish
a qualitative level of design attainment to meet the design objective. The guidelines are
meant to provide possible design solutions for achieving architecture and site-related development objectives. The Guidelines apply to Ground-Oriented Multi-Family; Low-Rise
Apartment; Medium & High-Rise Apartment; Flexible Mixed-Use; Town Centre Commercial;
Port Haney Multi-Family, Commercial & Waterfront; and Port Haney Heritage Adaptive Use.
The lettered icons apply to development as follows.
TCC - Town Centre Commercial - applicable to commercial developments only (for
example, an office building).
MU - Mixed-Use - applicable to mixed-used developments, with commercial on the
ground level and either offices or residential above.
MFR - Multi-Family Residential - applicable to ground-oriented developments and low-rise,
medium-rise, and high-rise apartments.
Green Building Technique - this icon identifies guidelines that help to promote green building practice and design.
Concept sketches and photos are provided with the guidelines to illustrate how the
objectives of the development guidelines might be achieved through design.
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MAPLE RIDGE TOWN CENTRE
A. Building Setbacks, Form, Mass and Height
Development Objectives
• To promote a cohesive building style and strong pedestrian-oriented urban
realm in Maple Ridge Town Centre by ensuring new buildings, renovations and/
or additions have consistent architectural and urban design setbacks, form, mass, and height.
• To help define the street and sidewalk areas as active public spaces.
Discussion
The Town Centre’s multi-family residential, mixed-use, live/work, and commercial land use areas can exhibit variation in the size and style of buildings. Yet, the
consistency of setbacks, building form and mass, scale and height will help to make
the diversity of structures compatible with one another. Historically, Maple Ridge’s
buildings were built relatively close to the front property line; many older commercial
buildings abut the sidewalk. This commercial “street wall” began to change with the advent of shopping malls built on larger parcels of land.
Traditional commercial buildings within the Town Centre have historically been built
to cover the majority of the lot with no front or side yard, and often a small rear yard
that accommodates limited parking accessed via the lane. This type of site design helps to define the street as a desirable pedestrian environment, improving the
character of the area. Parking is typically accommodated on-street with a limited
number of stalls at the rear of the lot.
The compatibility of these architectural elements is an important urban design issue for the Town Centre. For instance, large buildings can be made to appear smaller
and smaller buildings made to appear larger through the use of architectural style
and detailing. This perception is influenced by roof lines, projections, fenestration,
and building form. Form and mass, as well as the ratio between doors and windows
to walls and roofs, work together to give a building horizontal or vertical emphasis, which helps to support a pedestrian-oriented street front.
The pedestrian environment and architectural considerations to massing and
scale must be included in new development, renovations and/or additions. Efforts
should be made to maintain cohesiveness amongst buildings in the Town Centre and to maintain for each building the pedestrian scale and vibrancy at the street
level. New development should retain where applicable and revitalize where
needed the traditional “street wall” along the major roadways in the Town Centre,
including 224th Street, 227th Street, Dewdney Trunk Road, and Lougheed Highway.
Important views are affected by building mass and height. It is important that design considerations are implemented to avoid disrupting important views from the street
and existing buildings.
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Development Permit Area Guidelines Mass and Form
Figure 21. Building Setbacks, Form, Mass and Height.
1- Pedestrian-scale design elements on the first floor mitigate the impact of
larger buildings.
2- High-rises can be stepped back
from the main streets to maintain the existing scale along pedestrian-oriented
commercial corridors.
above:The mass and scale of new buildings should integrate with the existing built fabric of the Town Centre. The main street in the top photo maintains views towards the mountains and creates a vibrant pedestrian
realm.
below:The commercial entrance in the bottom
photo addresses both streets and is clearly differentiated from residential entrances
nearby through a unique façade treatment.
1 2
A.1 Building Mass and Form Guidelines
A1.1 Maintain the mass and scale of buildings. Ensure the mass and scale
of new Town Centre Commercial and Multi-family Residential buildings
are designed to integrate with and promote a meaningful quality and character of the Town Centre. The form, mass and scale of buildings in the Town Centre should support an urban, pedestrian-oriented street
front. Rectangular building forms are in keeping with traditional urban
development and support a consistent street front. Curving, undulating,
or diagonal building forms or elements are discouraged, except at significant corners or intersections where pedestrian entrances and activity can be highlighted.
A1.2 Enhance the block with corner commercial buildings. Commercial
and/or mixed-use buildings on corner lots offer unique opportunities for infill and enhancement of existing single-storey commercial sites. Retrofit or expansion of mall sites, such as Haney Place Mall in the Civic
Core and Valley Fair Mall in the East Precinct, can include the addition
of new buildings at the street corners. Corner commercial can also
provide gateway features on major roads, important intersections, and at the Town Centre boundaries.
A1.3 Accent corner buildings. Special roof shapes on corner locations
are encouraged as a means to accent corner blocks and address key
intersections such as 224th Street and Dewdney Trunk Road. Such design strategies can also provide important gateway features at the Town Centre boundaries on Dewdney Trunk Road and/or Lougheed
Highway.
TCC
MUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMU
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MAPLE RIDGE TOWN CENTRE
A1.4 Use pedestrian-scale design elements. Incorporate pedestrian-scale
design elements including windows, awnings, signage, and other design
details which break up building mass and define elements such as floor-to-floor transitions and roof and cornice lines. Such elements help to
define a pedestrian scale street front.
A1.5 Feature pedestrian amenities. Commercial frontages should feature
display windows, clearly defined entries and pedestrian amenities to refine the building scale, and enhance the street front and pedestrian
realm. Blank walls on the ground floor of street frontages are
unattractive and uninviting and not characteristic of the Town Centre’s
traditional urban form.
A1.6 Design large buildings into smaller modules. Large commercial,
multi-family and mixed-use buildings should be designed into smaller
“modules” of similar scale and size and should provide an appropriate
setback from the street front to maintain a quality pedestrian realm.
A1.7 Accommodate street fronting units. In all Town Centre residential,
mixed-use, live/work and commercial land use areas, the building
form and design should accommodate the highest possible number
of ground-oriented units with direct entrances and connections to the
sidewalk. In addition to providing a pedestrian-oriented street front, ground-oriented units are desirable for families and provide for greater
accessibility.
21 3
Figure 22. Accommodate ground-oriented units
1 - Clearly demarcate entrances with private space with minimum setbacks
from the sidewalk and provide “eyes on
the street” for safety.
2 - Large buildings can be designed into smaller units to increase visual interest.
3 - Accommodate the largest possible number of accessible ground-oriented units. 4 - Entrances are located on both streets.4
TCCMU
MFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMU
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Development Permit Area Guidelines Mass and Form
21 3
Figure 23. Roof pitch
1 - Window overhangs add variety to an otherwise flat façade.
2 - Break up a single pitched roof with dormers to enhance visual interest.
3 - Continuous overhangs in pedestrian areas are encouraged for weather protection and pedestrian scale.
above:
The building is stepped back to reduce the scale of the building and to integrate
it within the surrounding residential
neighbourhood.
below:The high-rise is set back from the main
street to create a more welcoming
pedestrian environment.
A1.8 Design flexible ground floor unit spaces. Flexible building spaces
are strongly encouraged in designated Town Centre commercial and
mixed-use or optional live/work areas of the West Precinct and should be considered in multi-family residential areas also. Buildings should
be designed to enable easy retrofit of ground floor units into live/
work space, retail, office, artisan studio and/or light industrial. Flexible
building spaces in residential areas allow easy retrofit for special-needs,
accessibility conditions, and for extra family members. Flexible buildings maximize building longevity.
A1.9 Ensure appropriate roof pitch. Roof pitches should fit with the
building style of the principal structure and be of a design and scale that
promotes a traditional urban design aesthetic for the Town Centre.
A1.10 Use design elements to reduce roof mass and scale. Dormers,
gables or similar variations in roof planes can break up roof mass
and reduce the scale of the building. A variety of building roof lines is
appropriate; however they should complement roof forms of adjacent buildings.
A1.11 Accommodate roof gardens, trellises, and green features. Extensive
roof gardens and trellises are encouraged, both as building amenities
and for environmental benefits. Other green features such as green roofs should be considered.
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCC
MUMFR
TCCMUMFR
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A.2 Building Heights
A2.1 Vary building heights. Building heights in the Town Centre can vary
from 3 storey mixed-use commercial buildings to residential towers over
20 storeys. Heights should be consistent with the land use designation and designed with respect to important views from streets, sidewalks and public spaces. New buildings should be sensitive to views from
existing, neighbouring buildings.
A2.2 Maintain alignments of architectural features. Maintain the alignment of building cornices, roof lines and lines of new buildings adjacent to existing buildings to preserve the architectural continuity of the street
front. As building heights vary in the Town Centre, discretion should be
used to mediate roof heights between buildings and match appropriate
building heights. Heights of new buildings should adhere to designations outlined in the Town Centre Land Use Designation Figure “A”.
A2.3 Integrate taller buildings. Taller buildings should maintain the
traditional urban form along a street and within a block by matching
cornice lines of adjacent buildings and by moving upper floors of taller
buildings back.
A2.4 Step back taller buildings. Higher and mid-rise buildings should be stepped to maximize street front, public space and lower level unit
exposure to sunlight and views. Stepping upper stories back helps to
maintain a pedestrian scale street front and provides opportunities for
private balconies and/or semi-private rooftop terraces/gardens.
A2.5 Match building heights at the end of blocks. Match building heights
at the end of blocks and on adjoining corners to help create a unified
architectural character at these important locations.
Figure 24. Step taller buildings back
1 - Generous and clearly defined pedestrian
paths and spaces integrate buildings
with the street.2 - Existing two storey building is
incorporated into the overall form of new
development.
3 - Mid-rise building is stepped back to provide balcony space that maintains view over the sidewalk.
4 - The high-rise tower doesn’t overshadow the sidewalk and integrates with surrounding buildings.
5 - Corner units wrap around to acknowledge both streets as well as buildings on opposite street corners. 1 2 3 4 5
TCC
MUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMU
MFR
TCCMU
MFR
TCCMU
MFR
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Development Permit Area Guidelines
A2.6 Manage phased development. Ensure each building phase is
adequately completed. Visible frontages and accessible areas should be
sufficiently finished, with tie-in to future development phases carefully
considered. Temporary edges should have a finished appearance and should be durable enough to last for their intended life span and/or maintained as necessary. Incomplete structures, street work
or landscaping should be made physically safe and aesthetically
compatible with surrounding structures and use.
A2.7 Protect views. Where appropriate, a view analysis should be submitted as part of the development permit application. Care should be taken to
avoid disrupting views of Maple Ridge’s signature elements, such as
Grant Hill, the Golden Ears peaks, and the Fraser River. In addition,
residential units should be designed to accommodate views towards street activity and public pathways to contribute to security and eyes on the street. Taller buildings should be stepped back to accommodate
views to and from street fronts, pedestrian areas, and public spaces.
A2.8 Site buildings to capitalize on daylight and solar opportunities. Where possible, situate the long axis of the building in the east-west direction to take advantage of solar opportunities such as solar water
heating, photovoltaic, and passive solar heating.
A2.9 Protect solar access to surrounding buildings and minimize wind tunnel effects. Buildings should be massed and heights should be considered or stepped back to avoid shading surrounding buildings and
public spaces and to minimize possible wind tunnel effects.
Height
The building is stepped back to reduce the scale of the building and to integrate it with
the surrounding neighbourhood village.
21 3
Figure 25. Use natural processes
1 - Deciduous trees to the south moderate sunlight throughout the seasons.2 - Orient buildings along the east-west axis to take advantage of solar opportunities.3 - Adequate windows allow cross ventilation to moderate internal temperatures.
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
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2 4
A.3 Building Setbacks
A3.1 Place buildings to reinforce sidewalk activity. To reinforce vitality
of the pedestrian realm, buildings should be constructed along the
street, from side property line to side property line, and to the back of sidewalks where sidewalk right-of-way is of appropriate width (greater than 3 metres). A maximum 1.5 metres front yard setback is desirable
for ground floor commercial buildings.
A3.2 Situate building entrances for visibility. Entrances that are close to the street help to maintain visual surveillance of the surrounding sidewalk and street area. To ensure visibility from the street, pedestrian
entries should be recessed and/or framed by a sheltering element such
as an awning, arcade, or portico. Shared or common entry vestibules
should be avoided.
A3.3 Provide adequate throughways and lighting. Entrances should be
recessed no more than 2 metres from the average face of the building
façade. If a shaded entry is used, its width should be greater than 1.8
metres to provide an appropriate pedestrian thoroughfare, and its height should allow for natural light penetration during the day. All entrances and associated sheltering elements should provide adequate lighting.
A3.4 Provide clear sight lines from building foyers and lobbies to allow
for visual surveillance. Plantings and other streetscape elements should be appropriately located and scaled around building entrances to allow for visual access of the surrounding sidewalk and streetscape. A
minimum 15 meters clear sight line from the foyer is suggested.
513
Figure 26. Building Placement and
Setbacks
1 - Entries should be clearly expressed.
2 - Zero setbacks are encouraged along commercial streets with entrances recessed no more than 2 metres.
3 - Zero side lot lines are encouraged along commercial streets.
4 - A Maximum 1.5 metres front yard setback along commercial streets.
5 - Arcades should be constructed a minimum. 1.8 metres deep and their height should allow natural light.
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
TCCMUMFR
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Development Permit Area Guidelines
A3.5 Separate residential entrances from commercial entrances. The
character and quality of residential entrances should be visibly different
from neighbouring commercial entrances. Multi-family residential entrances should be separated from commercial entrances, yet highly
visible from the street.
A3.6 Respect existing buildings. The location and layout of existing
buildings should be considered in the design of new buildings. This includes considering existing windows and entrances. Where an existing
building is adjacent to a new building, the new building should provide
setbacks to allow for air circulation, light penetration, and usable space
between the buildings where applicable.
A3.7 Distinguish entrances with arrival areas and courtyards. While
maintaining connectivity and visibility with the surrounding streetscape,
entrances should incorporate small arrival areas to enhance the
pedestrian environment. Arrival areas can break façades and serve to
visibly distinguish different buildings’ entrances.
A3.8 Locate ramps and entrances with lifts in areas that are highly
visible and connected to street and sidewalk activity. The presence
of ramps and lifts should be emphasized to ensure visibility and ease
of use. Visible signage and appropriate connectivity to the surrounding pedestrian realm creates an easy and seamless transition into buildings
for those with mobility aids, strollers, and/or bicycles.
Figure 27. Building Entrances
1 - Clearly visible ramps for accessibility.
2 - Distinguish residential from commercial entrances.
3 - Respect an existing building’s placement, entrances, and windows.
4 - Incorporate arrival areas and courtyards.
5 - Corner buildings should address both streets.2 4 513
The residential entrance in the top photo
is close to the street while incorporating a
separate arrival area.
Setbacks
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B. Building Façades, Materials and Colour
Design Objectives
• To ensure additions, renovations and/or new infill projects in the Town
Centre have a coherent architectural design concept where windows, doors,
siding material and other façade elements create a pleasing composition compatible with surrounding buildings, commercial and neighbourhood
character.
• To enhance the architectural and massing concepts of a building as well as
the quality, character and vibrancy of the urban environment of the Town Centre through the use of harmonious, quality materials and colours.
• To screen rooftop and ground mounted mechanical equipment and trash
storage from public view and thereby ensure commercial and mixed-use
buildings maintain an attractive appearance to the street.
Discussion
Façade patterns create visual harmony among buildings. Façade patterns play
an important role in integrating new buildings into the architectural fabric of the
Town Centre. A façade pattern, for instance, consists of the size and ratio of fenestration to wall surface. Door and window openings can provide a height
to width ratio that offers an appropriate scale to pedestrians passing along the
sidewalk. Often, older commercial buildings that are primarily two storeys or
more have predominantly narrow, vertical orientation, and are stacked above
each other with a regular spacing. New, modern style commercial buildings tend to use large panels of glass that are horizontal in form and wrap the building,
which is very different from the traditional vertical orientation with uniform spacing
between windows.
While every building in the Town Centre need not have the same window design treatment, repeating the façade patterns — such as traditional orientation and
rhythm of window openings — helps to reinforce a consistent architectural
and urban design quality and character. Ensure that the ratio of open surfaces
(windows, doors) to enclosed surfaces (walls, roof) are carefully considered. Use
nearby elements and details to inform design and development of new buildings or additions. Ensure signage responds to a building’s scale, character and
materials. Choose high quality, aesthetically appealing lighting fixtures. Provide
sufficient outdoor light for safety but use light standards that minimize light
pollution of the night sky.
Texture, pattern and colour play a role in how well a building is integrated to its
surroundings. An effort should be made to maintain high quality as well as an
appropriate spectrum of materials. Ultimately, colours should reference the tone
and type of colours found in the surrounding regional landscape. A suitable mix
of colour schemes will avoid creating a dull uniform commercial streetscape that lacks distinction and interest. Yet, ensure that the selection of building colour will
be a “good neighbour” to adjacent and nearby buildings. The choice and mix of
materials and colours on the façades of structures is important in providing an
attractive urban environment.
Finally, functional service requirements, such as gas metres, air conditioners,
garbage storage areas, can be placed and screened to reduce their visual
impacts in the urban setting. Functional elements should be appropriately located
at the back of buildings, off lanes and side streets. Screening and enclosures
can hide functional elements and also create attractive and interesting design features to a building.
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1 2 3 4
B. 1 Building Façade
B1.1 Address both sides of the block with corner buildings. Corner
buildings on main streets should be designed to address all sides
with commercial street frontage. Side façades should be treated with
the same quality of materials and a similar architectural detailing as the front. A visual and appealing pedestrian environment should be maintained along street frontage. Blank walls should be avoided.
B1.2 Orient main entrances to face the sidewalk. Primary entrances and
building façades should face the street to ensure a pedestrian-friendly street front.
B1.3 Locate windows, doors and entry features at the street level.
To help create a safe and active appearance along the street front,
windows, doors and entry features should be located at the street level. In commercial, mixed-use, live/work and multi-family residential buildings, window openings located above the street level may vary
from traditional openings, and may incorporate modern styles and
materials. Windows should be proportioned and grouped to provide a
cohesive composition similar to that of the other buildings on the street.
B1.4 Use a mix of common façade patterns and elements. New
development should fit with the existing character and quality of Maple
Ridge by ensuring that a mix of façade patterns and elements common
to the best-designed buildings in the Town Centre are used.
B1.5 Reflect original façades and building scale. Building renovations or
additions should have window and door patterns that reflect the original
building scale. Where appropriate, new building façades should reflect
and complement the character and quality of original buildings.
B1.6 Respect original architectural elements. Where applicable,
architectural elements such as windows should reflect the prevailing
geometry of the original structure. Using vertical or horizontal façade
orientation consistently ensures a cohesive, harmonious façade. For instance, if the façade pattern of the original structure is horizontal, window orientation of retrofits or new additions should be horizontal to
match.
Façade
above:Residential entrances face the street to
ensure an active street front.
below:
This front porch addresses the sidewalk, creating a semi-private space that
encourages lingering, increasing street surveillance and the perception of safety.
Figure 28. Corner commercial buildings.
1- Public “pocket” spaces can be nested between commercial buildings/units.
2- Corner developments create busy
pedestrian locations ideal for street-vending opportunities.
3- Corner commercial areas gain enhanced visibility by addressing two street sides and
the intersection.
4- Offices or residences above provide multiple views, architectural diversity, and
watchful “eyes on the street”.
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B1.7 Respect old and new design. When new additions and buildings are
situated adjacent to existing desirable or heritage buildings, the new
design should respect the old architectural building elements. New construction should be harmonious with more traditional styles and
features without creating an inauthentic historic look.
B1.8 Maintain the horizontal rhythm of the street wall. The horizontal
rhythm of the street wall should be reinforced in new buildings by using a similar alignment of windowsills, buildings lines, cornices, roof lines,
and floor-to-floor spacing along a street block.
B1.9 Provide a visual division between the street level and upper floors.
Use building design elements such as cornice lines, ground floor canopies and awnings, overhangs and windowsills to maintain a clear
visual division in building design between the street level (ground floor
retail uses) and upper floors of taller buildings.
B1.10 Include continuous canopies, awnings or overhangs. Well-designed canopies, awnings, and overhangs should be included on the ground
floor of commercial or mixed-use buildings. These features provide
continuous weather protection for pedestrians, demarcate commercial
storefronts, and help to create an attractive streetscape.
B1.11 Ensure appropriate placement and materials for awnings or
canopies. Awnings or canopies should not cover historical decorative
ornaments or other architectural elements of the original façade.
Canvas, glass, or metal are more suitable to the Town Centre than
materials such as vinyl, plastic or aluminum. Light coloured awnings will enable daylight to filter through building fronts. It is important to note that
canvas awnings often fade in colour over the long term.
B1.12 Use exterior shading devices to block summer sun. Use of exterior
shading devices can prevent the sun in summer months from entering interior spaces, while allowing solar energy to enter interior spaces in
the winter when the sun is lower in the sky. Sunshades can also double
as light shelves that redirect daylight into interior spaces, reducing the
need for artificial lighting.
1 32
Figure 29. Reflect original façade and scale
1 - The corner building maintains similar architectural details on both sides of the building, continuous overhangs can also function as sunshades and light shelves.2 - Dormers are repeated in each building design to present a cohesive composition.3 - Details, such as windows, overhangs, balconies, and window ledges add architectural diversity and demarcate building floors.4 - Different building heights are successfully integrated through use of complementary, pedestrian-scaled design features.
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B1.13 Use windows to provide “eyes on the street.” Design windows to
overlook streets and public spaces. This “eyes on the street” design
can help to improve safety in the public realm by adding an element of natural surveillance.
B1.14 Enhance the public realm. Features that contribute to place-making
such as public art, flags, banners and graphics are strongly encouraged
provided they contain no commercial message.
B1.15 Ensure signage respects the building scale, character and
materials. Where street level commercial is provided, fascia signage
and window signage is encouraged. Sign size, location and information
thereon should be designed and oriented to pedestrians and should relate to the scale and character of the commercial area. Materials
used for signs should be compatible with materials used in adjacent
buildings. Signage should be integrated into the detailing of the building
and not applied as an afterthought. Refer to District of Maple Ridge Sign
Bylaw for complete reference of applicable signs within a development project.
B. 2 Lighting
B2.1 Design outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution. Outdoor
lighting should be designed to produce adequate lighting for safety,
utility, security and enjoyment while preserving the ambiance of the
night and without contributing to light pollution. All walkways, paths, plazas, and building entrances should be adequately lit. Minimize glare
and obtrusive light by limiting misdirected, excessive, or unnecessary
outdoor lighting. Generally, bollard, building, and pole-mounted lights
should be designed to direct light downward to light the path and not the
sky. Minimizing outdoor lighting helps to preserve the ambiance of the night sky, while conserving energy and resources.
B2.2 Encourage energy efficient lighting. Energy efficient light fixtures
such as LED or solar powered lights are encouraged. To avoid
unnecessary use, timers, photo sensors, or motion detectors should
Façade and Lighting
above:
The window overhangs on this building are
carefully designed to control year-round
solar access.
below:
Appropriate lighting designs ensure light
is directed below the fixture, and prevent
stray light from shining into the sky or other unwanted areas. Energy efficient models
further reduce economic and environmental
costs.
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Figure 30. Continuous overhangs
1- The weather protection afforded by
continuous overhangs encourages
year-round pedestrian activity along a commercial street.
2- Enhance the public realm with high
quality materials and detailing.1 2
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B.3
Building Materials
B3.1
Enhance the public realm with high quality materials and detailing.
Durable, high quality facing materials and architectural details at the
street level should be used to enhance the pedestrian experience and help foster a sense of permanence in the Town Centre.
B3.2
Use materials consistently. To enhance the street front, materials
should be consistently applied and chosen to work harmoniously with
adjacent materials of the building and buildings in the surrounding area.
B3.3
Avoid the use of inappropriate materials. Materials such as vinyl
siding, artificial stone, mirrored glass, untreated wood, rough-sawn
wood and horizontal wood siding on large building surfaces are not
appropriate for the Town Centre urban environment. These building
materials should be used sparingly or not at all.
B3.4
Select environmentally responsible building materials. When
choosing building materials, the environmental impact should be
considered. Exterior building materials that are durable, salvaged,
incorporate recycled material, are recyclable, have low embodied energy, are locally produced, durable and procured from sustainably
harvested sources are preferred.
B3.5
Minimize the use of unsustainable building materials. Minimize the
use of building materials with high embodied energy, those produced from limited or ecologically unsustainable natural resources, or those
that have damaging ecological effects during harvesting, manufacturing,
and/or construction.
B3.6
Use a mix of quality materials. Materials should be natural, indigenous, durable and appropriate to the character of the streetscape
and other desirable buildings on the block. A variety of exterior materials
is appropriate. Preferred materials include concrete, wood, stone, brick,
metal, and/or glass. Use of materials compatible with Maple Ridge’s
most desirable heritage or character brick buildings is encouraged.
B3.7
Consider life-cycle cost. It is highly encouraged to consider
maintenance, repair, replacement, and disposal costs when choosing
materials. Preference should be given to materials with lower costs over
the longer term.
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Figure 31. Building materials
Enhance building designs with durable,
high quality, and sustainable materials and
detailing. Examples of these may include: 1- Stucco siding.
2- Appropriate lighting. 3- Wooden details.
4- Lightly textured surfaces.
5- Window-edge details. 6- Roofing and edge details.
7- Canvas Awnings. 8- Native plant landscaping.2 4 5 61 7 83
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Development Permit Area Guidelines Materials, Colour, and Screening
Figure 32. Screening
Reduce the visibility of trash, composting
and recycling by locating containers in
enclosures compatible with the architecture of the building.
B.4 Building Colours
B4.1 Select appropriate colours. Natural material colours (eg. stone, wood,
brick) and muted colour tones in hues such as yellow, blue, gray, ochre,
brown and green are preferred over pastel, reflective, or excessively
bright colours. Choose colours that give a warm appearance, quality
aesthetic and complement colours found naturally in the surrounding regional landscape.
B4.2 Highlight architectural details, awnings and entrances. Accent
colours are encouraged to highlight architectural details, awnings and
entrances, which can help create a pleasing pedestrian environment. Ensure accent colour application logically responds to and reinforces
building structure, architectural features and change in building
materials.
B4.3 Ensure a cohesive, consistent colour palette. Colours should be selected based on the palette of the surrounding buildings to ensure a
cohesive, consistent colour palette for buildings in the Town Centre.
B.5 Screening and Storage
B5.1 Locate and enclose trash, composting, and recycling to reduce
visibility. These areas should be easily accessible by trash collection
trucks, but screened from public view. Locating trash, composting, and
recycling on side streets or lanes and providing appropriate screening reduces visual clutter and impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.
Trash, composting, and recycling bins need to be in closed containers
to prevent access by nuisance pests such as rodents, wasps, and
other insects and to minimize odors. Enclosures should be compatible
with the architecture of the building, be large enough to provide easy storage and collection, and be made from durable, quality materials.
Materials such as wood, masonry, wrought iron or decorative block are
encouraged, chain link fencing is discouraged.
B5.2 Screen mechanical equipment. Building mechanical equipment should be screened from public view with appropriate, durable, quality
materials. Screening and enclosures should architecturally coordinate
with the building and surrounding environment to preserve the character
of the Town Centre.
B5.3 Avoid conflict with neighbouring properties. Conflicts such as noise
and exhaust should be avoided by locating undesirable uses such
as mechanical equipment, drive-through uses, service or car wash
bays, restrooms, vending machines, unenclosed storage, and public
telephones away from residential development.
B5.4 Locate building ventilation systems to minimize noise and exhaust
nuisances for pedestrian areas. Building exhaust and ventilation
should be located away from pedestrian areas to minimize noise and
exhaust.
The colour of the wooden porch railing and
stone façade reflect local materials and highlight the architectural form of the house.
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C. Building Site Considerations
Development Objectives
• To ensure public outdoor spaces are designed so that they improve use and activities, incorporate universal access, reduce vandalism, increase
safety and provide more attractive, functional outdoor spaces in the Town
Centre.
• To provide street trees and landscape elements that reinforce the ‘urban’
character and vibrancy of the Town Centre, enrich the pedestrian-friendly character of streets in the district, and integrate this important commercial
and higher density residential area with the character and quality of the
surrounding residential neighbourhood.
• To ensure parking lots are designed to be accessible, but do not intrude
upon the surrounding residential area, nor the urban, pedestrian-oriented quality of the Town Centre.
• To facilitate off-street parking and car storage at the rear of commercial
and mixed-use buildings to maintain street inter-connectivity, traditional use
of the lane as a service street, and to provide a secondary vehicular and
pedestrian throughway in the Town Centre.• To ensure service loading and mechanical equipment is designed to protect
the surrounding businesses and residential areas from unsightly, noisy and
noxious environments.
Discussion
A building’s site considerations play a critical role in supporting the Town
Centre’s streetscape, pedestrian environment and urban realm. Quality building
sites provide urban design essentials such as accessible public outdoor space,
street trees and landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly parking. The best building site features facilitate pedestrian activity and invite safe, leisurely public interaction.
Public outdoor space includes sidewalks, plazas, lanes, parks, and/or other
public outdoor areas that can accommodate walking, strolling, resting and
informal social interaction among people shopping and/or entertaining in the Town Centre. Hardscape elements such as benches, pavings, and signs, etc.
help to make streets and sidewalks more inviting and user-friendly public places.
Hardscape elements of high quality workmanship and materials reflective of the
traditional architectural quality and character will enhance the Town Centre.
Street trees offer an urban forest for a downtown area, which can improve air
quality, provide shade, reduce storm water run-off, help decrease the urban
heat island effect by shading hardscapes, and add to the property values of a
neighbourhood. They help define the pedestrian realm by providing separation
between the sidewalk for people and the street for cars, which creates a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Parking and lane access in the Town Centre is important to the success of the
local businesses. However, if surface parking lots are not carefully designed,
they can impact the character and quality of the pedestrian environment. Large surface parking lots located in front of buildings can interrupt the rhythm of
the sidewalk and street wall. Surface parking lots can preclude retail activity
on the street and detract from the commercial area as a lively and attractive
place to gather. Too often, large surface parking lots or unkept lanes create the
appearance of a vacant underutilized and unsafe area. Such spaces can affect the viability of existing businesses and deter visitors and local residents from
shopping and entertaining in the Town Centre.
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Development Permit Area Guidelines Public Outdoor Space
above:
This public space incorporates ample
seating, wide and accessible paths, pedestrian amenities, and is highly visible.
below:
This ample curb cut ensures accessibility to
the sidewalk and seating area.
C.1 Public Outdoor Space and Hardscapes
C1.1 Provide public outdoor space. Encourage the addition of outdoor
dining areas, patios, seating spaces, plazas, and/or gardens to all new
and existing multi-family, mixed-use or commercial buildings to help
create a vibrant pedestrian environment. Enable social interaction and visual surveillance of the public realm by providing small areas
with benches for people to stop and rest. Tables and chairs placed on
sidewalks immediately adjacent to an indoor café or restaurant invite
pedestrian activity and create an appealing public realm.
C1.2 Ensure public outdoor space is highly visible. Visibility into and
within public space should be maintained so that people entering and
exiting can be readily observed. Important aspects of providing safe
public outdoor spaces include: controlled access points, proper lighting,
glazing on nearby buildings, cut-away corners, and limited places to ‘hide’.
C1.3 Provide connections between buildings, sidewalks, and outdoor
open spaces. Visual connections between buildings and public
realm elements should be enhanced to promote use of public outdoor spaces. Where possible in larger developments, provide public
pedestrian access through outdoor corridors and/or courtyards to retain
connectivity through the block.
C1.4 Ensure universal access for all public spaces. All public spaces should be accessible, with amenities located on level surfaces. Smooth
pathways should connect building entrances and amenities. Elevation
changes should be kept to a minimum (less than 5cm) unless a ramp is
provided.
Figure 33. Public Plazas
1 - Locate public plazas to capture the sun.
2 - Ensure universal access.
3 - Ensure public spaces are highly visible and well-lit. 4 - Provide pedestrian amenities and planted areas with shade and incorporate water features and public art wherever possible. 5 - Locate public spaces near or beside a diversity of land uses, such as commercial areas, community centres and recreation areas. 1 2 43 5
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C1.5 Locate outdoor plazas to capture the sun. Outdoor spaces that
capture the sun create an inviting gathering space. Suitable overhangs,
canopies and trees for shade and rain protection should be considered.
C1.6 Provide hardscape elements to enhance the street environment.
Provide elements such as paving materials, pedestrian street furniture,
and art, along public streets to enhance the street environment and
to assist in creating a pleasant and active place for people to walk, congregate and interact.
C1.7 Design hardscape elements as part of the building. Design
hardscape elements, such as small entry plazas, seating alcove areas,
and other pedestrian amenities as part of a building front. Providing such features at the street level enriches the pedestrian experience and
visual appeal of the street.
C1.8 Integrate pedestrian amenities with walls and/or landscaped areas. Design seating, lighting, trash receptacles, telephones, and other pedestrian amenities into screening walls and landscaped
setback areas to contribute to a comfortable and attractive pedestrian
environment.
C1.9 Provide public art. Appropriately located public art displays are strongly encouraged. These can be situated in building entries, alcoves,
public plazas, or along streets to provide a sense of place for the Town
Centre and make walking through the area lively and interesting.
Figure 34. Hardscape Elements
1 - Public art should be incorporated as part of buildings and public spaces.
2 - Amenities such as decorative street lights, planted areas, seating and trash
receptacles should be provided in public
and transitional spaces.
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C1.10 Ensure new elements complement existing. Fit hardscape elements
and materials (such as the pattern and texture of ground paving
materials) into the existing context of the streetscape and surrounding area to contribute to the overall theme and quality of elements and
materials in the Town Centre.
C1.11 Use materials that are functional, durable and include recycled or salvaged content. Use hardscape materials that are functional, able to endure seasonal weather, solid, and vandal resistant, yet attractive
and able to fit in with the existing material context of the Town Centre.
Such hardscape features are cost effective, easy to maintain, and offer
an attractive street environment. The use of recycled and/or salvaged
materials is encouraged.
C1.12 Provide smooth routes. Avoid vertical disruptions along pedestrian
routes to ensure ease of use by wheeled mobility devices, strollers, and
bicycles. Excessive use of pavers, bricks, stones, and/or control joints
creates an uncomfortable path for wheeled devices, and should be avoided.
C1.13 Ensure barrier-free access. Entrances to buildings should be ‘barrier-
free’ to ensure universal accessibility. Curbs, steps, and high thresholds
should be avoided, or have an alternative path to provide easy access for everyone.
C1.14 Encourage use of infiltration techniques. Techniques to increase
the permeability of site, such as use of porous concrete, open jointed
blocks, absorbant landscaping, bioretention facilities, green roofs, and other methods of reducing the effects of impermeable surfaces are
highly encouraged, provided accessibility is still achieved (see District
of Maple Ridge Policies 6.23 and 6.24 regarding stormwater infiltration
limitations in the Town Centre).
Figure 35. Public resting spaces
1 - Seating areas near the sidewalk provide a place to rest and socialize.
2 - Visibility increases the feeling of safety in public spaces.
3 - The sidewalk remains uncluttered, creating an attractive, accessible and continuous pedestrian realm.21 3
above:
Urban infrastructure, such as street lights,
provide opportunities for community expression and contribute to a sense
of place. Continuous, colourful banners identify the community and create
pedestrian-scale to the corridor.
below:
The popular new park in the Civic core serves as a model for other parks in the
Town Centre. New streetscape elements
nearby should compliment existing elements in Memorial Peace Park.
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C.2 Parking and Parking Lots
C2.1 Provide required parking underground. Accommodate parking
spaces underground where feasible. Parking should meet but not
exceed parking bylaw regulations. Any surplus parking should be
directed underground. Moving parked cars underground or to the rear of buildings frees up the frontage for a pedestrian-oriented, active street
and sidewalk space along major streets. This parking can be accessed
via lanes or side streets. In smaller scale commercial, mixed-use, or
live/work buildings and/or where underground parking is not feasible,
parking may be accommodated at the rear or side of buildings. Surface parking design should include infiltration techniques (refer to District
of Maple Ridge Policy 6.23 and 6.24 regarding stormwater infiltration
limitations in the Town Centre).
C2.2 Screen large surface parking lots while maintaining surveillance. Large surface lots should be screened from adjacent public sidewalks
with landscaping treatment and the lot should be designed as
several smaller landscaped parking areas, wherever feasible. Semi-
transparent screening and appropriate heights should allow for visual
access between the sidewalk and parking lot. Appropriately designed landscaping is particularly effective at creating a soft, visually appealing
edge and barrier to large expanses of paving. Tall landscaped berms
are not in keeping with the urban form of the Town Centre and are
discouraged as screening devices. Also discouraged are opaque
screening materials that block views from the street into the parking lot. Consider safety, clear site lines and easy surveillance in all landscape
or screening plans. Incorporate pedestrian level lighting, where
appropriate.
C2.3 Design for pedestrian safety within parking lots. Parking lots, both underground and above ground, should include demarcated pedestrian
routes, appropriate lighting, and clear sight lines to increase pedestrian
safety. Design techniques such as landscaping, weather protection, and
distinct paving are encouraged to distinguish pedestrian routes from
vehicular traffic. Consider the use of bollards or other similar techiques that restrict vehicular access onto sidewalks.
Figure 36. Parking
1 - Provide both underground and on-street parking wherever possible.
2 - Where a larger surface lot is unavoidable, incorporate landscaped bioswales to capture and clean rainwater runoff.
3 - Provide ample, clearly defined, and safe pedestrian connections from all sidewalks and public areas to building entrances.
4 - Continuing canopy trees provide necessary weather protection, pedestrian-scale, and CO2 uptake.
5 - Narrow vehicle ROWs keep parking lot speeds at a minimum, but ensure sufficient space to limit maneuvering conflicts.
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C2.4 Provide visible signage. Signage that designates parking lots should
be easily visible from the street. Entrances should be well-marked and
designed so that traffic flows easily between the street and parking lot. Signs should maintain a balance between being highly visible and
visually obtrusive. Refer to the Maple Ridge Sign Bylaw for further
specifications.
C2.5 Consider developing underground parking garages. As an alternative to large surface lots, appropriately located garages supply
adequate parking while reducing the impermeable surface area
dedicated to parking cars. Garages can be designed to blend into the
surrounding urban fabric, and can be incorporated into commercial
buildings either above or below grade. Stacked parking also allows for a greater pedestrian realm without decreasing the parking supply to the
Town Centre.
C2.6 Locate adequate priority parking in visible areas convenient to entrances. All parking lots should include an appropriate number of disabled parking spaces as well as designated spaces for family
parking, carpools, vanpools and/or car co-ops. These spaces should
ensure ease of access to the building entrance by being located close
to elevators, ramps, lifts, and curb cuts without blocking them. These
spaces should be appropriately sized to allow ease of use by all types of mobility devices.
C2.7 Locate parking lot equipment away from the public street.
Equipment such as garage doors and ticket dispensers should be
located at a sufficient distance (minimum of one car length) from the public street to avoid queues onto the street.
C2.8 Use permeable pavement and infiltration devices on appropriate
sites. Pervious paving materials, such as pervious asphalt paving,
alongside appropriate grading, drainage swales, oil/water separators associated with infiltration pits can help mitigate stormwater run-off.
Consider integrated stormwater approach for the entire site, using
parking areas as key collection and infiltration locations. Refer to District
of Maple Ridge Policy 6.23 and 6.24 regarding stormwater infiltration
limitations in the Town Centre.
Building Site Considerations
Figure 37. Rear parking
1 - Landscaping functions as bioswales to infiltrate rainwater runoff and softens the visual impact of the parking lot. Bushes are pruned to enable clear sightlines.
2 - Adequate lighting increases the feeling of safety.
3 - Access is via the side street to enable narrow building setbacks along main corridors.1 32
above:
This parking lot incorporates vegetated
swales to capture and infiltrate surface
runoff instead of directing it to storm drains. It also includes clearly demarcated
pedestrian circulation routes and bicycle
amenities.
below:This new streetscape adjacent to a parking
lot incorporates street trees and an
attractive pedestrian environment. Curbs
are replaced by closely spaced planting
boxes to create a safe and accessible sidewalk.
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C2.9 Provide shade trees and landscaping. Trees and landscaping should
be included in all parking lots to visually break up large expanses of pavement, provide shade, reduce visual glare, and provide areas for
stormwater infiltration. Shade trees should have a minimum mature
height of 15 metres.
C2.10 Provide secure and sheltered bicycle storage facilities for short-term uses. Short-term cycling parking is intended for visitors,
customers, and people who will be parking for less than 2 hours. These
spaces should be placed within 50 feet of building entrances and should
be protected from the elements with roof overhangs or other structures.
These areas should be well lit and contain a securely fixed structure that a bicycle wheel and frame can be firmly attached to. Refer to the
Off-Street Parking & Loading Bylaw for specific information about the
number and size of facilities required.
C2.11 Provide long-term bicycle parking. Secure long-term bicycle parking should be provided for building occupants as well as visitors. These
areas should be designed with limited access, achieved either through
a locked room or covered enclosure. Storage facilities should be well lit
and placed in a location that gets a high amount of foot traffic. Refer to
the Off-Street Parking & Loading Bylaw for specific information about the number and size of facilities required.
C2.12 Provide end of trip facilities. To encourage employees to commute by
cycling, it is highly encouraged to provide end-of-trip facilities such as
showers and change rooms. Refer to the Off-Street Parking & Loading Bylaw for specific information about the number and size of facilities
required.
C.3 Lanes and Service and Loading Areas
C3.1 Use lanes for service, parking access and loading. Trash, recycling,
and compost storage should be located in rear yards with lane access
where appropriate to avoid cluttering the pedestrian street front. Even as
service areas, lanes should remain safe, attractive and viable vehicular
and pedestrian connections.
C3.2 Utilize lanes as secondary vehicular and pedestrian throughways.
Increase inter-connectivity and walkability throughout the Town Centre
by maintaining and enhancing lanes as secondary vehicular and
pedestrian routes.
Figure 38. Rear parking
1 - Short-term bicycle parking areas can be incorporated into well-lit areas.
2 - Bioswales absorb and clean rainwater runoff.21
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C3.3 Strengthen visual access of the lane. Provide visual surveillance
of lanes through glazing that overlooks the lane to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety. Ensure rear yard fences and dense plantings
are no more than 1.8 metres in height to assist business owners and
pedestrians in safely surveying lanes. Include pedestrian level lighting
wherever appropriate and feasible.
C3.4 Minimize impervious paving of the lane. The paved width of the lane should be no more than 6 metres. Pervious paving materials, such
as pervious asphalt paving, alongside appropriate grading, drainage
swales, oil/water separators associated with infiltration pits can help
mitigate stormwater run-off from the lane and are encouraged. Refer
to District of Maple Ridge Policy 6.23 and 6.24 regarding stormwater infiltration limitations in the Town Centre.
C3.5 Consider lanes as a community amenity. Incorporating community
gardens, benches, landscaping, stormwater management features, and
rainwater collection features creates aesthetically pleasing, safe, and
usable public space.
C3.6 Respect existing grades. Lanes should respect existing grades to
ensure minimal disruption of slopes and vegetation.
C3.7 Locate loading and service areas away from the street front. Create
an attractive commercial or mixed-use street front that is pedestrian-
friendly by locating loading and service areas to the side or rear of buildings, accessible from side streets or lanes.
C3.8 Separate loading from parking and pedestrian paths. To enhance
safety for pedestrians, separate loading areas from sidewalks and other
pedestrian paths. Separating loading from parking and pedestrians also provides greater ease for delivery trucks.
C3.9 Screen loading areas. Loading areas should be located away from
the public realm and designed to be visually inconspicuous from public
areas and adjacent properties. The impact of loading areas on the surrounding neighbourhood is decreased by reducing their visibility and
locating them away from busy pedestrian areas.
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Figure 39. Lanes
1 - Lanes can be used as service routes.
2 - Maintain lanes as pedestrian route.
3 - Provide service and loading access from the lane.
4 - Minimize impervious paving to increase infiltration of stormwater.
5 - Provide visual surveillance over the lane.
2 4 513
above:The lane in the background is enhanced by
the inclusion of a community garden which infiltrates stormwater,
below:Ample planting and interesting paving with
clear sightlines enhances the attractiveness of this lane.
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C.4 Street Trees and Landscape Guidelines
C4.1 Plant street trees. Provide canopy trees at regular intervals, every 6 to
8 metres along the street for new development and renovation projects.
Street trees assist in creating well defined and protected pedestrian sidewalks, provide shade, and assist in sequestering green house gas emissions.
C4.2 Use the right species. Select street tree species that are successful
in the urban environment, that are easy to maintain, and have less aggressive rooting habits to help reduce sidewalk damage. A mix of species throughout the Town Centre is encouraged to promote diversity.
C4.3 Minimize use of high maintenance plants. Use water-demanding,
high maintenance plants such as annuals and some perennials sparingly.
Figure 40. Solar Control
1- Deciduous trees on the south and west
façades enable sunlight penetration
during the winter.2- In summer months, the leaves block
unwanted solar gain.
Summer
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C4.4 Maximize use of native and climate appropriate species. Using
native plant species that are adapted to local soil and climate conditions will minimize water consumption and maintenance of landscaping. Native plant species can also provide some habitat value for other local
species while contributing to the sense of place in the Town Centre.
C4.5 Consider the inclusion of community gardens. Community gardens are encouraged in multi-family developments, where appropriate and feasible, to provide residents with space to garden and grow food.
Where appropriate, edible landscaping is encouraged.
C4.6 Design and place landscape to facilitate year round moderation of the internal building climate. Appropriate deciduous trees on the south side of buildings will provide shade in summer and allow sunlight
through in winter. Landscape design can also mitigate wind through
sites.
C4.7 Minimize erosion potential. Ensure site development minimizes erosion potential by discouraging excessive changes to existing slopes,
maintaining existing vegetation on slopes, and planting new and existing
slopes with stabilizing vegetation.
C4.8 Maintain sight lines. Planting in public areas should not block the field of vision between 0.5 and 2.5 metres in height. Corner plantings should
be kept low to maintain field of vision for traffic. Pedestrian pathways
should have clear sight lines for at least 15 metres.
C4.9 Provide adequate landscape maintenance. Ensure landscape is prepared for, planted and adequately maintained. Refer to the BC
Society of Landscape Architect and/or BC Landscape and Nursery
Association standards, and/or other applicable standards for more
information about appropriate planting and maintenance.
21
above:Native, drought tolerant plant species
function as roadside bioswales to infiltrate rainwater.
below:Pocket public street spaces and intersection
corners and “bulb-outs” are ideal spaces for decorative community gardens.
Figure 41. Maintain sight lines
1 - Corner plantings are kept low to maintain the field of vision.
2 - For safety and visibility, plantings
should not block the field of vision at
street intersections. Plantings and other
amenities, not including street lamps,
should be between 0.5 and 2.5 metres
in height.
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C4.10 Consider incorporating landscape plantings for green features. Green roofs can reduce the volume of stormwater and reduce peak flow running from a site. Opportunities to accomodate green roofs,
decks, patios and walls should be considered for all new developments.
Consult applicable green roof standards for information about design,
construction, plantings and maintenance.
C4.11 Incorporate low impact stormwater features. New developments
should aim to manage and infiltrate all stormwater on site. Green roofs,
as well as vegetated swales, rain gardens, infiltration beds, and other
types of stormwater features should be considered to increase the management and infiltration of stormwater on a site. Refer to District of Maple Ridge Policy 6.23 and 6.24 regarding stormwater infiltration
limitations in the Town Centre.
C4.12 Consider rainwater collection for re-use. Consider rainwater collection and storage in cisterns to use for irrigation.
C4.13 Use natural plantings and green space to support habitat. Natural
landscapes in urban areas can provide habitat for smaller wildlife, songbirds and important pollinators such as bees, butterflies and dragonflies. Promote the use of native shrubs and plants and mature
trees in backyards, boulevards and utility right of ways, to provide
habitat links through urban environments to larger parks and green
spaces.
C4.14 Retain existing mature trees. Landscape design should retain existing
stands of mature trees, significant vegetation, and nesting sites. A
site survey that identifies existing trees and their condition should be
prepared by a qualified professional and provided to the District as part of the development permit application process.
Figure 42. Trees
1 - Provide canopy trees along streets.
2 - Choose a variety of native and/or drought tolerant plants.
3 - Plant trees and vegetation with habitat-
value to increase biodiversity.4 - Plant evergreen trees on north sides of
buildings to provide weather protection.
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References
City of Port Moody. 1994. Development Permit Area 3 Town Centre. Available
online: http://www.cityofportmoody.com/Business/Land+Development/dpa.htm.
City of Pueblo. 2004. Neighborhood Conservation and Neighborhood Commercial Design Guidelines.
City of Richmond. 1999. Development Permit Guidelines. Available online:
http://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/9_development_c546.pdf
City of Richmond. 1999. Development Permit Guidelines. Available online:
http://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/9_development_c546.pdf
City of Spokane. 2000. Downtown Design Guidelines.
City of Surrey. 2003. East Clayton Neighborhood Concept Plan.
City of Vancouver. South East False Creek Design Considerations (Draft).
Condon, Patrick et al. 2003. Site Design Manual for BC Communities.
District of Maple Ridge. 200#. Official Community Plan.
District of Maple Ridge. 2006. Bylaw No. 6425-2006: Development Permit
Area Guidelines. Available online at: http://www.mapleridge.ca/assets/Default/Planning/OCP/pdfs/8.0_dp_areas.pdf
District of Maple Ridge. 1991. Downtown East Sector Plan.
District of Maple Ridge. 2005. The Maple Ridge Town Centre Concept Plan.
District of Maple Ridge. 2008. Town Centre Area Plan (excerpts from Draft)
District of Maple Ridge. 2007. Town Centre DPA Guidelines - Community
Character Workshops Summary Report.
District of Saanich. 2007. Development Permit Area: Justification and Guidelines
with amendments. Available online at: http://www.gov.saanich.bc.ca/business/
development/laps/dpguide/dev_guidelines_text.pdf District of Squamish. 2005. Downtown Squamish Concept Plan.
District of Squamish. 2008. Downtown Neighbourhood Plan.
Dockside Working Group. 2005. Design Guidelines for the Dockside Area. Available online at: http://www.victoria.ca/cityhall/pdfs/currentprojects_dockside_
design.pdf
West Coast Environmental Law. 2001. The Smart Growth Guide to Local
Government Law and Advocacy.
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Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 113
8.12 WILDFIRE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
GUIDELINES
8.12.1 KEY GUIDELINE CONCEPTS
The intent of the Key Guideline Concepts is to ensure that development within the Wildfire Development
Permit Area is managed to minimize the risk to property and people from wildland-urban interface fire and to
further reduce the risk of potential post-fire landslides and debris flows.
Applications for Wildfire Development Permits will be assessed against the following key guideline concepts:
1. Locate development on individual sites so that when integrated with the use of mitigating construction
techniques the risk of wildfire impacts is reduced;
2. Mitigate wildfire impacts while respecting environmental conservation objectives and other hazards in
the area;
3. Ensure identified wildfire interface risks are recognized and addressed within each stage of the land
development process; and
4. Proactively manage potential fire behavior, thereby increasing the probability of successful fire
suppression and containment and minimizing adverse impacts.
INTENT
The Wildfire Development Permit Area Guidelines are intended for the protection of life and property
in designated areas that could be at risk for wildland fire and where this risk, in some cases, may be
reasonably abated through implementation of appropriate precautionary measures.
A Development Permit is required for all development and subdivision activity or building permits for
areas identified as wildfire risk areas identified in attached Map 1: Wildfire Development Permit Area.
A Development Permit may not be required under certain circumstances indicated in the Development
Permit Exemptions, Section 8.4, Item 4. These Development Permit Guidelines are to work in concert
with all other regulations, guidelines and bylaws in effect.
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 114
8.12.2 GUIDELINES
A. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
1. The design and construction of buildings and structures located within the boundaries of the Wildfire
Development Permit Area (see attached Map 1: Wildfire Development Permit Area) shall be in
accordance with 8.12 Wildfire Development Permit Area Guidelines. Specific details can be found in the
standards set forth in the latest editions of the NFPA 1144 (Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition
Hazards from Wildland Fire) and NFPA 1141 (Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land
Developments in Suburban and Rural Areas); and
2. The District of Maple Ridge Fire Chief may consider alternative design and construction solutions to the
NFPA 1144 and 1141 standards if the alternate solution adheres to the intent of the Guidelines. See
Wildfire Development Permit Application Checklist for details.
B. BUILDING DESIGN AND SITING
1. NFPA 1144 (Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire) building guidelines are
to be used for all new development;
2. Fire resistant building materials and methods;
a) Class A or B rated roofing material on new roofs and >50% roof replacements
b) All vents are screened with metal screens
c) Non combustible soffits
d) Overhanging projections protected
e) Overhanging buildings protected
f) Exterior vertical wall clad with ignition resistive material
g) Non combustible window screens
h) Non combustible 20 minute rated exterior doors
i) Spark arrestors on all wood burning appliances
j) Laminated or multi-paned windows
3. Buildings adjacent to the crest of a vegetated slope may require special mitigation measures determined
by the Fire Department; and .
4. Accessory buildings located within the Wildfire Development Permit Area buffer area, as identified in
Item C(1) below, must meet the same building standards as the residential building(s).
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 115
C. WILDFIRE IMPACT MITIGATION THROUGH DESIGN
1. The residential building elevation facing the forest edge should be located a minimum of 10 metres away
from the adjacent high risk wildfire areas. 10 metre fire breaks must be created between all sides of the
foundation and the forest interface (vegetation shall be modified to mitigate potential wildfire impacts
within 10 metres of the foundations prior to the start of construction). The fuel break may include
treating fuel on the existing parcel or developing a trail as a part of the fuel break, or included in an
environmental and geotechnical setback if such treatment is mutually beneficial to the intent of the
setback areas and FireSmart principles.
2. 10 metre fire breaks may incorporate cleared parks, roads, or trails;
3. Locate building sites in the flattest areas on the property and abvoid gullies or draws that accumulate fuel
and funnel winds;
4. To minimize the potential impacts to residential buildings in the Wildfire Development Permit Area,
FireSmart standards should be incorporated taking into account: (1) siting form; (2) exterior design; and
(3) finish of buildings and structures;
5. Steep roofs, hidden gutters around roofs and screens to cover attic vent openings are preferred in order
to prevent the collection of leaves or needles and to reduce the risk of ember shower accumulation;
6. Where the District requires fire hydrants within a development, these must be fully functional prior to
construction above the foundation level;
7. Where appropriate, if a trail system is planned for a subdivision and a park it should be capable of
emergency vehicle access with a 1.5 metre trail base and a minimum of 2 metre cleared vegetation and
pullouts for passing and turnaround every 500 metre (in areas where a 30 metre environmental setback
is required, the District may consider including the trail within the 30 metre setback); and
8. Two means of access are preferred for subdivisions in a Wildfire Development Permit Area. If two access
points are not possible then the single access must have the capability of accommodating two fire
trucks - each with a width of 2.9 metres – safely passing each other.
D. LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACES
1. Landscaping should be designed based on FireSmart landscaping standards so as to ensure minimal fuel
loading within the landscaped areas and provide ongoing resistance to wildfire. The type and density of
fire resistive plantings incorporated within landscaped areas should help mitigate the interface fire
impacts; and
2. Removal of all debris (wood and vegetation) after land clearing for development must be completed prior
to the registration of any new subdivision plan.
3. A landscaping security may be required for landscaping works in accordance with the Maple Ridge
Landscape Security Policy No. 6.28.”
Maple Ridge Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 7060-2014 Chapter 8, Page 116
E. MAP 1: WILDFIRE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA