Surrey Council moves to streamline development applications

Surrey, B.C. – Surrey City Council passed a motion at yesterday’s Regular Council Meeting that seeks to reduce red tape and streamline development applications. The motion will also have provisions for Surrey to better align with new Provincial housing regulations.

“Expediting development of new homes of all types is critical given the housing crisis we are experiencing,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “This motion by Councillor Kooner shows that City Council is continually looking for immediate and concrete solutions that will help build more homes in Surrey. When passed, this motion will streamline the development application process not for residential projects, but for commercial and industrial buildings 6 storeys or less, as well.”

“To address the current housing crisis, this notice of motion aims to reduce red tape for developers by working to speed up approval timelines where cost savings can be passed to the end user and increase economic activity in the City of Surrey,” said Councillor Pardeep Kooner. “Additionally, by aligning with new Provincial guidelines on housing, we are streamlining processes and increasing efficiencies within the city and development community.”

Council has asked staff to have recommended changes to bylaws, policies and procedures before the end of December 2023.