Building a House in Surrey

Before you begin

This information is for residents building a single family dwelling on private property.

Research your lot to determine what you can build. Depending on what you plan to build as part of your single family dwelling, you may have to apply and pay for additional permits. Your land use plan must also follow all applicable land use bylaws.

Check what and where you can build:

• The type, size and use of buildings according to the Zoning bylaw
• Engineering servicing requirements, including sanitation and storm connections
• Conditions or restrictions on the lot according to your Title Search from the Land Title Office
• Check if you are located in development permit areas or environmental protection areas
• Confirm if your property has any protected trees, as per the Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw

Use COSMOS to find out your property's zoning, land use and underground utilities.

To build a basement home, your designer or contractor must determine whether the service connections are deep enough and have adequate capacity to allow basement construction. Basements must have a gravity storm service connection.

Applying for your permits

Building Permit - Find out the steps you need to apply, including a documents checklist.

Driveway Permit - If you are demolishing part of, or all of, a driveway, or will be constructing, or adding to, a driveway, you also need to apply for a driveway permit.

Submit your permit application via one of our submission methods. If you have any questions about the permit application process, contact the Client Services Centre at 604-591-4086.

• Each permit expires 6 months after the issue date.
• Read the EV Charging Infrastructure Requirements regarding the zoning bylaw updates for electric vehicle charging.
• The 2024 BC Building Code is in effect. Review the 2024 BC Building Code bulletin for more information.
• Review the Part 9 Energy Step Code Bulletin regarding the BC Energy Step Code requirements.

After you apply

Once your applications have been received, they will be reviewed by the City. Emails will be sent to you detailing your next steps, including but exclusive to:

• The application and payment of any additional permits you will need to complete your construction
• Any necessary engineering service upgrades and associated costs
• Setting up an On-Site Pre-Damage meeting and pay any applicable damage deposits
• What you have to do with the trees on your property

Your building permit will be issued only when you have met all necessary requirements from the City and all fees have been paid. Wait time is dependent on the volume of applications and the application, payment and processing of any additional permits you need.

Construction phase

Approved drawings must be on site at all times. Inspections are required at various stages of construction. Find your order of inspections on your building permit.

Damages during construction

Damages to City property must be reported to the City of Surrey. You are responsible for the actions of any contractors and sub-contractors who cause damage to City property. If clean-up by City crews because of your construction is needed, you will be held responsible for the cost of clean-up.

Revisions during construction

Revisions to your building plans after the Building permit has been issued require additional approval. Changes must be made by the designer and can be rejected if not correctly completed. Inspections cannot be done while you are waiting for approvals on your revisions.

Download the Residential Building Permit Revision Application Form.

Change of Registered Professional

In the event that there is a change in the CRP and/or RP, please follow the guidelines outlined in the bulletin Change of Co-Ordinating Registered Professional or Registered Professional.

Final occupancy

You must book and pass your final inspection before anyone can move into the new structure.

If you have any questions along the way, contact the Building Information Line at 604-591-4366.