Converting a Single Family Dwelling to a Commercial Building Permit

You need a permit to convert an existing single family dwelling to a commercial building.

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) may be required for the Architectural, Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical and Landscape disciplines based on the extent of the proposed work. A Coordinating Registered Professional (CRP) will be required if there is more than one RP involved with the project.

Prerequisites

In most cases, a property with an existing SFD will need to be rezoned to allow commercial use. The Planning Division will also determine if a Development Permit is required.

Required documents

Include the following documents with your application:

• a Building Permit Application Form;
• a Building Permit Application Checklist;
• an Owner's Authorization Form (if the owner is not the applicant);
• a Schedule A from the Coordinating Registered Professional;
• a Schedule B from each Registered Professional involved with the project;
• a Building Information Sheet;
• an Alternative Solution Report (if proposing an alternative solution as allowed by the BC Building Code);
• a Soil Deposition Form;
• a Damage Deposit Form; and
• a current Title Search of the property (may be obtained from the Land Title Office).

Drawing requirements

Include the following plans, sealed and signed by the applicable Registered Professional:

• four (4) sets of plans:
  • architectural (including site plan);
  • plumbing;
  • structural;
  • electrical;
  • civil (including lot grading);
  • landscape; and
  • mechanical.

In some cases, submission of plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and/or civil drawings can be waived based on the extent of the proposed work. Consult with the respective Building Division Sections for the criteria and permission to waive the requirements for drawings and accompanying Schedule B.

Fees

The building permit fee will be based on the value of construction and must be paid prior to the issuance of the permit.