SURREY City Council has reinforced the City’s commitment to streamlining the development process and supporting small-scale residential builders.
The Council on Monday endorsed key updates to the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force, including extending its term through December 31, 2025, adding two new members from the small building community, and shifting its scope from a focus on land development processes to a focus on challenges faced by small builders in Surrey.
“Surrey is growing rapidly, and we recognize the vital role that small builders play in delivering diverse housing options,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “By expanding the task force’s scope and membership, we’re ensuring that their voices are heard and that our processes continue to evolve to meet the needs of all stakeholders.”
These updates come in response to recent provincial legislation introducing small-scale multi-unit housing zoning, which has significantly reshaped the residential development landscape in Surrey. The City is proactively adapting to these changes by ensuring that small builders are supported and that permitting processes remain efficient and responsive.
“By bringing small builders into the conversation, we’re gaining valuable, on-the-ground insight into how our permitting processes impact everyday housing delivery,” said Councillor Pardeep Kooner, chair of the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force. “This expanded focus will help us tailor improvements that make a real difference in getting homes built faster and more efficiently. It will also help create clarity regarding the new provincial regulations that have left the region in a funding deficit.”
Council established the original task force in October 2024 to identify opportunities for streamlining, innovating and developing a model for best practices. To date, nearly all of the issues identified by the task force are either complete, ongoing or in an advanced state of implementation.
See full details in Corporate Report R149: Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force Update.
Learn more about development and permitting improvements in Surrey at surrey.ca/development.
