Murals

All murals on private property must be approved by the City of Surrey. More info on this bylaw can be found below. These are the steps to take to have your mural concept reviewed and approved.  If you have any questions about the process, please contact us at neighbourhoods@surrey.ca

1. Property owners and artists should begin by connecting to develop their mural ideas. Together they should identify the site, scale and design of the mural.
2. Identify funding sources through grants and partnerships
   1. Business Beautification Tools
   2. Neighbourhood Enhancement Grants
3. Think through the installation of the mural and take into consideration:
   1. Appropriate materials to use
   2. Access to high areas of the wall
   3. Site safety and pedestrian access
4. Whether you are an artist or property owner, you must ensure required protocols are being followed. These may include:
   1. Fall certification
   2. WCB coverage
   3. Lift equipment certification
   4. Safety procedures
5. Make sure your idea falls within the Wall Art & Mural Guidelines
6. Submit your proposal to neighbourhoods@surrey.ca

What should I include in a proposal?

• Information about:
  • The property owner
  • The artist
  • The site of the mural and size of the wall
• Purpose and description of mural
• Concept sketch of artwork
• Letter of support/permission from the property owner (if necessary)

Please review the Wall Art & Mural Guidelines for detailed information.

The City of Surrey’s Signage Bylaw provides oversight on creating wall art and murals in Surrey. All murals and wall art on private property must be approved by the City of Surrey. This approval process can take between 4-6 months, depending on the size and scope of the mural or wall art. Make sure to give yourself enough time as part of your project plan.

The following will be used by the designated advisory committee to review and provide advice to Council:

1. Content is aesthetically pleasing, will contribute positively to a neighbourhood, is original, and does not infringe on the copyright of others including cultural rights, and takes into consideration other nearby public artworks, urban design and community context;
2. Content is non-partisan, non-racial, non-denominational, non-sexist, and non-political, and in keeping with Human Rights Act principles;
3. Wall art will not be used or serve as any form of commercial advertising or public information or solicitation of any kind;
4. Content is appropriate for child audiences and if deemed sensitive is not permitted; (e.g. content depicting alcohol, drugs, tobacco or violence is not permitted)
5. Content does not include logos or organizational brands or identities; and
6. The theme of the mural is respectful of the greater context of the community, including historic and socio-cultural contexts.