THE City of Surrey said on Tuesday that it is strengthening its enforcement actions against unpermitted construction, including successfully obtaining court orders to demolish unauthorized construction. A Special Council Meeting was also held on Monday where Council directed staff to file a notice on title to two properties. From notices on title to court ordered demolitions, the City says it continues to encourage accountability, enforce compliance, and put the safety of residents first.

“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach as we continue to tackle illegal construction in Surrey,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “Court-ordered demolitions are one of the many ways we ensure compliance and protect our communities. I continue to thank the Illegal Construction Enforcement Team for their dedication to compliance and accountability.”

In 2025, three files were successfully concluded after the following unauthorized structures were demolished by their respective owners, as ordered by the court:

• On November 24, 2023, the City obtained a court order requiring the owner to demolish the unauthorized additions to the main residence that were constructed without permits, including interconnected decks and an extension that contained two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
• On October 24, 2023, the City obtained a court order requiring the owners to demolish an unauthorized laneway house and an unauthorized extension to their main residence that were constructed without permits.
• On June 24, 2022, the City obtained a court order requiring the owners to demolish an unauthorized extension to the house and an accessory building that were constructed without permits and a shed that was renovated without permits.

At Monday’s Special Council Meeting, Council directed staff to file a notice on title to the properties at 16835 26 Avenue and 16055 60 Avenue where the owners have illegally constructed and occupied the buildings without permits and in violation of the City’s Building Bylaw. The unpermitted construction and issued fines include:

16835 26 Avenue:

• The unpermitted construction includes an accessory building with numerous dwelling units.
• The City issued a total of 23 Bylaw Enforcement Notices totalling $11,500 and 14 site visit fees totalling $3,108.

16055 60 Avenue:

• The unpermitted construction includes five dwelling units and multiple rooms within the barn located on the property.
• The City issued one Bylaw Enforcement Notice totalling $500 and six site visit fees totalling $1,340.

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