Seasonal Patio Program

All licensed Maple Ridge businesses located in specific zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, CRM, H-1, H-2, and CD-1-17), wishing to use the public right-of-way (sidewalk and/or parking lane) for an outdoor patio are eligible for this program. Visit RidgeView or call 604-467-7341 to confirm your zoning.

The program welcomes participation from all types of businesses across Maple Ridge, including retail and service businesses, not just food and beverage. As long as you maintain your patio activities in compliance with your current business licence, you shouldn't need any additional licence.

No. Only those patios on public property (i.e., City-owned sidewalks or in curbside parking lanes) are covered under the Patio Program.

The program does not include patios located entirely on private property, within the existing building envelope, or behind the property line. Those patios may be governed by the Building Bylaw and associated permits.

Maybe. If your patio is located within a public right-of-way (i.e., a City-owned sidewalk or in a City street), you will need to apply to the program and meet the requirements. 

If you’re not sure about the location of the property line and whether your patio is on public or private property, please email patios@mapleridge.ca

If you follow the Patio Program design guidelines, you generally won't need a building permit or other associated permit for your program-eligible patio.

Keep your patio on or low to the ground, don't use overhead structures or install utilities on your patio, make sure you can remove it within 24 hours, and don't increase the number of people who will be in your business (including the patio), and you shouldn't need a building permit - just a patio approval.

When would a building permit be required?

A building permit would be required in situations where any of the following apply:

• The patio is attached to the existing building
• You're seeking permanent use of the patio (i.e., not seasonal or temporary)
• You're seeking to increase the occupant load of your business (or your patio triggers a code-related life safety review tied to occupant load)
• The patio is on a deck or platform more than 60 cm above grade
• The patio is constructed on private property and otherwise meets the definition of a building or structure under the Building Bylaw.

Applications can be made all year round, and we aim to have your application processed and a decision communicated in 10–15 business days (3 business days for Type A patios).

Regardless of the application date, you still need to adhere to the program's operating season for your patio type, and any fees related to your application or patio (for Type B/C/D patios) will not be pro-rated.

It depends on the patio type. Type A and B patios can operate year-round. Type C and D patios can be installed and operated from April 1 to October 31, with structures and furnishings to be removed before November 1. However, all patios must be able to be removed in 24 hours if directed by the City for any reason.

Based on feedback from the 2024 and 2025 operating seasons, the following adjustments have been made for 2026:

Eligible Businesses

All licensed Maple Ridge businesses (not just food and beverage service) located in eligible zones, and where conditions can accommodate the safe installation of patios on the public sidewalk or roadway, can participate in the Seasonal Curbside Patio Program.

Patio Use

Patios are no longer limited only to seating for food and beverage service. Businesses are welcome to use their patio for expanded retail space, client waiting areas, outdoor workspace, or a curbside parklet managed by the business.

Insurance Requirement

The Third-Party Liability or Commercial General Liability insurance requirement has been reduced for many patios to lower the barrier for entry for small businesses.

City Funding

At this time, the City does not currently offer funding to assist businesses with the costs of starting or operating a patio.

DMRBIA Pilot Patio Improvement Program

New for 2026, the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA) has launched the Pilot Patio Improvement Program, offering their members matching grants of up 50% of the actual cost of patio improvements (including leased patio solutions) to a maximum of $2,000 per patio area (excluding taxes).

Full program details are available on the DMRBIA website. Eligible businesses must be members in good standing with the DMRBIA.

We encourage you to check the Maple Ridge Business Finder to search for licensed companies who might be able to assist you. When you're purchasing goods or services for your patio, we encourage you to Choose Maple Ridge first!

Some of the folks we've worked with in the past include:

• Haney Builders' Supplies
• EZ Blocks West
• Kinsley Landscape

Patio furniture and décor items can be sourced from a variety of suppliers, including building supply and hardware stores, garden centres, specialty patio and outdoor living stores, and furniture stores. Some products marketed for residential use are also suitable for business or public outdoor use, but the City has no specific requirements for furnishings. If you see a business whose patio furniture you like, ask them where they found their furniture!

Some examples of furnishings that we've seen used on patios in Maple Ridge include:

• Sundsö Bistro Set
• Tärnö Bistro Set
• Sunvilla Square Bistro Table
• Finch Circular Foldable Table
• Kensington Outdoor High-top Dining Set
• Costway Folding Bistro Set
• LH Foldable Acacia Bistro Set
• Outdoor dining sets from CorLiving

No, you don’t need to have a formal agreement in place, but we do require you to connect with your neighbours and provide them with a Patio Neighbour letter that includes operating dates, contact information, and how to reach out to you with any concerns. Details are in the Application Form.

If you're looking to operate a patio extending wider than your own storefront, you will need to seek permission from that neighbouring business and/or property owner.

If you have further questions about this, email patios@mapleridge.ca.

Maybe. You may wish to check with the property owner, property/strata manager, or strata council on any specific requirements for your location.

If you're looking to license your patio for liquor service, you will need to provide a Letter of Authorization from the property owner or strata council as part of your application to the City for an occupancy load calculation.

Yes, the City is committed to regularly reviewing the patio program to ensure it is meeting the needs of business owners, the community, and the City.

A program review was undertaken after the 2024 operating season, and adjustments were made for the 2025 season. Further program reviews will take place after the 2025 operating season and biannually thereafter (i.e., in odd-numbered years: 2027, 2029, 2031, and so on)

If you have questions or comments about the program, please email Patios@MapleRidge.ca.

Feel free to reach out to the Economic Development team! Send an email to Patios@MapleRidge.ca, and we'll get back to you shortly.