Surrey, BC — In a significant move to address housing challenges, Surrey City Council has approved an *early excavation pilot program* designed to expedite the construction of multi-family housing projects. The initiative allows “excavation-only” building permits to be issued for qualified developments, enabling work to begin before the final adoption of rezoning and development permits.
“The early excavation pilot program is another example of Council’s commitment to accelerating housing in Surrey,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “By enabling excavation work to begin earlier, we are taking an important step toward addressing our urgent housing needs, while ensuring community safety and project integrity. We are dedicated to providing diverse housing options in a timely manner, and this initiative will help us achieve that goal.”
With over 43,000 new housing units conditionally approved by Council—25,000 of which may qualify for the program—the City aims to significantly reduce delivery times for new homes. By aligning excavation timelines with the finalization of permits, the initiative seeks to optimize project schedules and streamline the development process.
The program is designed to ensure that only projects with a high level of certainty move forward. Key eligibility criteria include:
– Preliminary Council approval.
– Compliance with existing City regulations.
– Adherence to strict safety and environmental standards.
The Council will monitor the program’s success and provide updates in early 2025. If deemed effective, the pilot may lead to permanent changes in Surrey’s development processes.
During the same meeting, Council approved amendments to City Centre’s office and residential density bonus policies. These updates establish minimum density expectations and clarify bonus contribution procedures, aligning with provincial legislation to foster growth in Surrey’s core.