SURREY City Council on Monday endorsed several housing development and permitting improvements aimed at streamlining operations, clarifying expectations for applicants, and simplifying the overall processes. These efforts build on the city’s extensive work in reducing permit timelines and other administrative processes, all focused on achieving faster, more efficient development outcomes.

“These updates are all about removing red tape and getting homes built faster,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “We’re committed to creating a system of facilitation versus regulation, which is already yielding positive results. In fact, the City of Surrey surpassed the province’s first-year housing targets by 53 per cent. We’re proud to have also received two prestigious honours in the 2024 NAIOP Awards for Municipal Excellence – for the ‘Most Improved Fees’ and being the ‘Most Business-Friendly’ city. These achievements are a testament to our progress in streamlining processes and ultimately better supporting our growing population.”

• Relaunch of certified professional program: Enhancements are designed to improve coordination with certified professionals, accelerate plan reviews, and increase transparency and understanding of application requirements.
• Clear application submission deadlines to Council: New formal deadlines apply to development applications moving to Council for introduction or final approval, with a dedicated webpage to guide applicants through timing and requirements.
• Streamlined urban design review process and waivers for development permit requirements: A new “Development Permit Light” option for eligible townhouse and industrial developments, along with streamlined design guidelines for the Official Community Plan, will speed up approvals. New waivers will also allow some industrial developments to be exempt from development permit requirements.
• Minor Tenant Improvement Program: This program will expedite the process for projects based on their complexity. Projects such as small medical offices and coffee shops, and minor floor layout changes in professional offices may be eligible.
• Simplified application fee: Starting August 1, a flat fee structure will apply to all building permit types, making fees easier to understand and reducing the risk of application errors due to miscalculations.

“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.”

Learn more about ongoing development and permitting improvements at surrey.ca/development.