Advisory Design Panel

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The Maple Ridge Advisory Design Panel provides independent advice on the design of development proposals in the community.

The Panel plays an important role in shaping the built environment of Maple Ridge. The purpose of the Panel is to encourage quality design in the community by reviewing and making recommendations to Council on all new commercial, industrial and multi-family residential projects that require a Development Permit. Council is also free to defer any other matters to the Advisory Design Panel for consideration.

The Panel includes three Architects (Brian Shigetomi, Craig Taylor, Jane Thomsett), two Landscape Architects (Rory Dafoe and Don Crockett), and a non-voting District liaison (Charles Goddard, Manager, Development & Environmental Services - Planning Department).

The Panel meets on a monthly basis and reviews multi-family, commercial, industrial, and some institutional projects. Development Permit applications will be forwarded to the Panel for review. Development Permit applications submitted with accompanying rezoning applications will be forwarded to the Panel for review prior to First Reading of the Zoning Amending Bylaw.

The Panel will encourage quality design in the community through education, award programs for design and landscaping, and in the review of individual projects. The Panel will also recommend actions to Council to improve the appearance of Maple Ridge.

It is expected that all projects submitted to the Panel meet the regulations contained in the Building and Zoning Bylaws. It is also expected that all projects will be submitted to the Panel according to the provisions of the Architect's Act of B.C. As well, applications for a Development Permit must meet the Development Permit Area guidelines established by Council.

Schedule "A" to Bylaw No. 6326 - 2005 which established the Panel; includes a checklist which is intended to assist property owners and consultants in the preparation of plans which are compatible with the neighbourhood in which the project will be located. The checklist is general in nature and identifies issues that should play a part in the design process.

Guidelines for presentations to the Panel have been prepared and applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the guidelines. The guidelines list considerations and information which should be contained in presentations to the Panel.