Zoning Updates for Small-Scale Housing

New zoning will only apply to lots <4,050m2 (1 Acre) within the Urban UCB provided in the Metro Vancouver Urban Containment Boundary. 

Small-scale housing will be applied in areas that currently zoned: 

Certain areas may be exempt, such as lands subject to hazards, areas currently under heritage protection, and lots not connected to water or sewer services.

Update zoning rules to encourage building of duplexes with suites, triplexes, laneway homes, garden suites, and similar housing types.

Develop more flexible regulations that support creative and innovative design opportunities while aligning with the goals of other City policies.

Make the zoning bylaw more user-friendly for applicants, residents, design professionals, and City staff.

Currently, Surrey has over 20 single family or duplex zones.  A consolidation of zones into 9 SSMUH zoning districts is expected to simplify and modernize the bylaw. These 9 new zones are expected to be called: 

Ensure that recent provincial legislation and City plans, strategies, and programs are implemented such as the new Official Community Plan (OCP) which is currently under review.

You will need a building permit for SSMUH. The City does not allow construction without the required permits, which include building permits and, where applicable, development permits.

It’s important to follow the proper permitting process to ensure that the construction complies with all relevant safety standards and regulations.

• For lots smaller than 280 m², you will be able to build a maximum of 3 units.
• For lots larger than 280 m², you will be able to build a maximum of 4 units.
• Additionally, for lots that are at least 281 m² in size and within 400m of a prescribed bus stop with 15 minute service, you may be able to build a maximum of 6 units.

Remember:

• This change will not take affect until after June 30, 2024.
• Check with the Planning & Development department for any specific regulations or guidelines that may apply to your property.

While the legislation will allow for the construction of secondary suites or accessory dwelling units, it specifically does not provide retroactive legalization for secondary suite or coach house units built without the necessary building permits. For existing suites or other structures built without a permit, owners would still need to follow the proper permits and application approval channels to ensure their suites meet all legal and building requirements.

All single-family and duplex areas that propose will be permitted to accommodate more housing, but at time of application for additional housing, the City will require applicants to consider the individual lots servicing capacity of local infrastructure such as sewer, water, and drainage or other utility requirements.

The BC Building Code permits only one secondary suite per house, provided that the owner also occupies the house and both dwelling units combined are considered a single real estate entity.

The SSMUH legislation does not specifically mandate the rezoning of areas to allow smaller lot subdivisions.  However, it does require the City to update zoning bylaws to allow for the development of SSMUH in areas currently restricted to single-family and duplex use.

Existing covenants restricting housing on a lot made under section 219 of the Land Title Act still apply in relation to Bill 44 and the SSMUH legislation, and will take precedence.

Provincial legislation requires that zoning bylaws be updated to permit SSMUH on all lots currently zoned for detached single-family or duplex use, this includes CD zones. 

The City may provide Form and Character Development Permit Requirements in areas where SSMUH is to be permitted. In Steep Slope, Flood Plain, Sensitive Ecosystem or Farm Protection areas, a Development Permit may also be required.  However, these DPAs (if applicable) may not unreasonably restrict the use or density required by SSMUH legislation. The guidelines for DPAs must align with the objectives of the SSMUH legislation, which aims to increase housing supply and diversity.