Surrey takes action against illegal construction: “10 illegal bedrooms within 7 illegal dwelling units”

SURREY City Council has directed staff to file Notice on Title to the property at 9397 132 Street, where the owners have illegally constructed and occupied the buildings without permits and in violation of the City’s Building Bylaw.

“Today’s approval to file a Notice on Title for this property is a testament to Council’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal construction in Surrey,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke on Monday. “It is shocking that this property has 10 illegal bedrooms within seven illegal dwelling units. Numerous fines have gone unpaid as the property owners blatantly disregarded numerous Stop Work Orders, completing extensive unpermitted construction.”

Locke added: “Thank you to our Illegal Construction Enforcement Team for their tireless efforts to address these violations. By standing strong on these regulations, we are sending a clear message that illegal and unsafe construction will not be tolerated in the City of Surrey.”

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

Since July 2024, there have been three Special Council Meetings for Council consideration that led to the filing of a Notice on Title on four different properties impacting seven property owners.

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 or 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 bylawcomplaint@surrey.ca or call 604-591-4370. Complaints can also be submitted online through the Report a Problem tool.

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