SURREY City Council on Monday directed staff to file a notice on title to the property at 9730 Townline Diversion. Since the first hearing in July 2024, the City said it has remained committed to tackling unpermitted construction through encouraging compliance, accountability, and safety. It said Monday’s decision marks a pivotal milestone as the City continues to make strides in combating illegal construction.

“Yesterday’s decision demonstrates Surrey City Council’s determination in combating illegal construction,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke on Tuesday. “The owners built an addition to the rear of the house which included two dwelling units, a rooftop deck, and two awnings. All work was completed without getting the proper permits.”

She noted: “The safety of Surrey residents is our first and upmost concern and we are taking a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to illegal construction. I would like to thank the Illegal Construction Enforcement Team for their dedication to keeping Surrey safe and accountable. Lastly, I would like to say that if you have questions or are unsure about the permitting process, the City is here to help you through the process. Let’s build safe homes together.”

In the last year, the City has held seven Special Council Meetings where Council directed a notice on title to 22 property owners on 11 properties where the owners have illegal construction and occupied the buildings without permits and in violation of the City’s Building Bylaws. Collectively, the owners of the properties were issued over $50,000 in fines and fees, 73 Bylaw Enforcement Notices, and 78 site visit fees.

The City has taken action against egregious, unpermitted construction such as:

• Construction of two two-storey additions on one property including construction of three additional dwelling units on the same property;
• Construction of a two-storey addition, containing two dwelling units and construction of a second two-storey addition, containing four dwelling units;
• A dwelling with multiple decks constructed and eight additional dwelling units within the home;
• Construction of a two-storey accessory building with a dwelling unit and a two-storey addition to the house, including a roof top deck;
• Adding a secondary storey to the barn and constructing five dwelling units within the barn, along with the construction of a detached garage, two greenhouses and a shed on one property;
• Construction of two-storey additions to the rear of the house with numerous dwelling units inside the additions and house; and
• Enclosing the carport and creating a dwelling unit.

The Illegal Construction Enforcement Team is a dedicated group of City staff who enforce the City’s bylaws and target residential construction that is done without permits, inspections, or compliance with safety standards.

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.