Surrey, B.C. – Surrey City Council has approved a series of housing development and permitting improvements aimed at streamlining operations, clarifying expectations for applicants, and simplifying the city’s overall development process. These changes are part of Surrey’s broader effort to cut red tape and accelerate housing construction to meet growing demand.
“These updates are all about removing red tape and getting homes built faster,” said Mayor Brenda Locke during Monday’s Regular Council Meeting. “We’re committed to creating a system of facilitation versus regulation, which is already yielding positive results.”
Mayor Locke highlighted that Surrey has surpassed the province’s first-year housing targets by 53 per cent. The city was recently recognized with two major honours at the 2024 NAIOP Awards for Municipal Excellence — “Most Improved Fees” and “Most Business-Friendly” city — acknowledging its progress in streamlining processes and supporting development.
One of the key updates is the relaunch of the Certified Professional Program. The enhanced program aims to improve coordination with certified professionals, speed up plan reviews, and increase transparency around application requirements.
Additionally, the city is introducing clear application submission deadlines for development proposals moving to Council for introduction or final approval. A dedicated webpage will guide applicants through key dates and requirements.
A new “Development Permit Light” option has also been introduced to fast-track eligible townhouse and industrial developments. Streamlined urban design guidelines under the Official Community Plan and new waivers will exempt some industrial developments from permit requirements, further reducing delays.
The newly launched Minor Tenant Improvement Program is designed to expedite simpler projects such as medical offices, coffee shops, and minor interior changes in professional spaces. The streamlined process will assess projects based on complexity to avoid unnecessary delays.
Starting August 1, a simplified flat fee structure will be applied to all building permit types. This change is expected to reduce errors and confusion related to application fees, making the process more accessible for applicants.
“The improvements are intended to modernize the permitting process by removing redundant steps,” said Ron Gill, General Manager of Planning and Development. “I would like to thank staff for their hard work and strategic thinking on these projects. The goal is to increase transparency and deliver excellent service throughout the applicant experience.”
City officials say these measures collectively represent a shift toward more efficient development practices, ultimately supporting the city’s vision of smart growth and housing affordability.
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