The City of Maple Ridge is introducing new low-carbon building requirements for residential construction, along with training, tools, and support for the building industry.
Starting July 1, all new residential buildings must meet new standards of emissions under the provincial Zero Carbon Step Code. This will require primary space heating, cooling, and water heating systems to be electric or zero-carbon. These changes do not apply to commercial or industrial buildings.
“By adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code now, we’re getting ahead of future regulations, improving how homes perform during extreme heat and reducing carbon emissions,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy.
“We know this is a big shift for the residential building industry, and the city is stepping up to support that transition with training, tools, and hands-on help," he added. "This is a key step forward in implementing our new Climate Action Plan – one that helps protect residents, supports builders, and prepares Maple Ridge for the challenges ahead.”
The city’s decision to prioritize the Zero Carbon Step Code aligns with the strategic direction set by the Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Action, established in 2024 to guide the development the city’s first climate action plan. The task force endorsed the zero carbon approach as the most effective path forward, delivering significant emissions reductions while minimizing cost impacts for the residential construction sector.
Backup systems, such as gas fireplaces or furnaces, are still permitted, but not as the primary heating/cooling system, and cooking appliances, such as residential gas stoves, are permitted.
To support implementation, Maple Ridge will provide training sessions for builders and designers; guides, checklists, and resources to assist with permitting and compliance; as well as ongoing technical support through the building department.
Maple Ridge plans to advance to lower emissions by September 2026, after a review. This will eliminate the use of fossil fuels entirely for space heating, cooling, water heating, and cooking in new residential construction.
These changes are separate from provincial regulations regarding the BC Energy Step Code.
Learn more at MapleRidge.ca/ZCSC.
