Mayor proposes Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force

Approved at the Monday, October 7, 2024 Regular Council - Public Hearing. 

Surrey, BC – In a significant stride towards enhancing the efficiency of development processes in the City, Mayor Brenda Locke has proposed the establishment of the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force. During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey City Council will vote on moving forward with the new initiative.

"With Surrey projected to reach a population of one million people by 2042, it is essential that our development processes adapt to cater to the needs of our community during this transformative period,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force will ensure we are continuously evolving our processes, reducing red tape, embracing technology, and setting a benchmark for best practices in municipal development and permitting. We're committed to creating a system that not only supports our housing goals but also promotes sustainable and efficient practices. By shifting from a regulatory mindset to one of facilitation, we can better support our developers and, ultimately, our residents."

The Task Force will be responsible for reviewing existing development processes, evaluating timelines, and identifying opportunities for innovation and automation. If approved, the Task Force will have two appointed Council members serving as Chair and Co-Chair, alongside top management from the Planning & Development and Engineering Departments, as well as three representatives from the diverse development community in Surrey.

As per Mayor Locke, the Task Force’s primary objectives would include:

1. Streamlining the rezoning and development processes through a comprehensive review
2. Leveraging new technologies, including the Automated Rule-Based Zoning Bylaw Compliance Tool, to automate and expedite procedures
3. Establishing a framework that positions Surrey as a regional leader in development and permitting processes

Recent advancements made by City staff complement these efforts, including enhancements to the permitting portal, new pilot programs for building permits, and the introduction of the Development Inquiry Assistance tool.

If approved on Monday, the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force is anticipated to provide a Terms of Reference and Work Plan to Council by the next Regular Council Public Hearing Meeting on Oct. 21, 2024.

Learn more about the City’s Housing Action Plan.