Condo and Townhouse Renovation Permit

You need a building permit to renovate a townhouse or condominium unit where the scope of work may include:

• adding, moving, or removing walls,
• modifying the exterior envelope, such as adding a window, 
• modifying any structural element of the building, 
• finish the basement of a townhouse unit, 
• adding, moving, or removing any plumbing fixtures. 

A building permit is not required to change flooring, cabinets, countertops or replacing plumbing fixtures in the same location. However, separate plumbing, electrical and sprinkler permits may be required.

How to apply

Complete the Building Permit Application Form and submit the required documents, plans, and fees by email or in-person.

Digital permit intakes

Planning & Development permits can be submitted by email to permitapplication@surrey.ca. 

Before submitting your application, review the digital submission guide. You will be contacted once we have reviewed your submission.

Requesting hard copies for digital application submissions

Hard (physical) copies of drawings and documents may be requested throughout the permitting process. If you submit your application digitally, hard copies may be requested depending on the scope of work and project size.

Staff will communicate directly with the applicant if hard copies are required. If you submit digitally, do not send in hard copies unless requested to do so by staff. 

Professionals you may need

A Registered Professional (RP) is required if any structural element or common property of the building is affected. A Schedule B is to accompany any signed and sealed drawing.

Required documents

Include the following documents with your application:

• a Building Permit Application Form;
• an Owner Authorization Form (if the applicant is not the owner);
• Strata Council approval for scope of work proposed, signed by a member of Strata Council; 
• a Schedule B is to accompany any drawing that have been sealed and signed by a Registered Professional; 
• a Coordinating Registered Professional is required if there is more than one Registered Professional; and 
• Certificate of Liability insurance for each Registered Professional. 

Required drawings

Include the following plans with your application:

• two (2) copies of a site plan showing the location of the condominium or townhouse unit; and
• two (2) copies of a floor plan showing the entire floor.

Refer to the Condo and Townhouse Renovation Bulletin for examples of acceptable drawings.

Other drawings that may be required are:

• signed and sealed structural drawings if any structural modifications are proposed; 
• signed and sealed architectural drawings if modifications to common property are proposed;
• an elevation drawing if an existing basement window will be enlarged;
• an elevation and cross section if a new window well will be installed; 
• sprinkler drawings if any modifications to the sprinkler system are proposed; and 
• a plumbing isometric drawing if any fixtures are being added, moved, or removed.  

Fees

The building permit fee is due at the time of application and it will be based on the declared value of construction.