SURREY City Council on Monday took the next step to further transform and modernize the development and permitting process.

“Since this Council’s election in late 2022, we have made significant strides in improving the City of Surrey’s land development and permitting processes,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke on Tuesday. “Improvements have been made in a number of areas including shortening review timelines, expanding online permitting services and introducing incentives and exemptions to encourage more affordable housing projects.”

She added: “But we must go further. The City must continue to evolve from a model of regulation to one of facilitation. Building on the advancements that have been made, this new motion will seek to further streamline the process, cut unnecessary red tape and reduce timelines.” 

Council will consider approval of the motion at the next Regular Council Meeting.

The motion directs staff to:

1. Streamline Rezoning and Development Processes: Conduct a comprehensive review of our rezoning and development processes and present recommendations that would significantly reduce these timelines.
2. Innovate and Automate: Continue enhancing our digitization efforts, including further automating processes with new technologies such as the Automated Rule-Based Zoning Bylaw Compliance Tool, to remove administrative hurdles.
3. Develop a Model for Best Practices: Establish a framework that positions Surrey’s development and permitting processes as a model of best practice for other municipalities to aspire to—incorporating sustainable practices, efficient timelines, cost-effectiveness and a facilitative approach.

“Surrey’s development and permitting processes should not just meet today’s standards, they should set the standard,” said Locke. “We are on the path toward building an even more dynamic and responsive city, while continuing to meet the needs of our residents and safeguarding the principles of good planning.”

The staff report and recommendations will be presented to Council for consideration before the December break.