SURREY City Council have directed staff to file a notice on title to two properties at 17669 40 Avenue and 16460 93A Avenue, where the owners have illegally constructed and occupied buildings without permits and in violation of the City’s Building Bylaw.

Since July 2024, there have been five Special Council Meetings for Council consideration that led to the filing of a notice on title on eight different properties impacting 16 property owners.

“Surrey City Council is dedicated to upholding our community standards and protecting residents’ safety,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke on Wednesday. “One of the properties had housing units in an accessory building as well as an addition. The second property had housing units that were constructed in what was originally proposed to be a barn. All of which were done without permits.”

Locke added: “Our recent actions against these properties demonstrate our ongoing commitment to enforce building bylaws and prevent illegal construction. I want to commend our Illegal Construction Enforcement Team for their diligent work in holding violators accountable. Ensuring all structures meet safety and permitting standards is essential to maintaining the character and security of our neighborhoods.”

This is the result of a Special Council Meeting on May 20 where Surrey City Council voted in favour of filing the notice on title to the properties. The notices will alert potential buyers, lenders, and insurers about illegal construction and the potential risks associated with the properties.

A notice on title under Section 57 of the Community Charter is a legal measure used by a city to inform the public, including potential purchasers, about unauthorized structures on a property that were built without the necessary building permits and inspections. It serves several purposes, including:

• Encouraging Compliance: It encourages owners to bring their property into compliance with the City’s Building Bylaw, to ensure homes are built to the minimum health and safety requirements. The legislation provides that the notice will be removed once compliance is achieved.
• Transparency and Awareness: It acts as a warning about unauthorized structures, protecting prospective buyers and informing the public.
• Enforcement and Accountability: It emphasizes the City’s commitment to enforcing its Building Bylaw by holding property owners accountable for illegal construction activities.

The City of Surrey’s Illegal Construction Enforcement Team, established in 2022, is dedicated to enforcing the City’s bylaws and targeting residential construction that is done without permits, inspections, or compliance with safety standards. The City of Surrey has also increased fines for illegal building activities and sought compliance through court action.

To file a complaint about construction you suspect has been done without permits, email [email protected] or call 604-591-4370. Complaints can also be submitted online through the Report a Problem tool.