Retaining Wall Permit

A permit is required for a retaining wall greater than 1.2m in height when its supporting ground is critical to the stability of the building foundations or located on sloping hillsides.

How to apply

Complete the Building Permit Application Form and submit the required documents, plans, and fees by email or in-person. Basic information about the property will also be requested at the time of application.

Printer friendly Guide to Applying for a Retaining Wall Permit.

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.

Professionals you need

A Registered Professional (RP) is required to provide a Schedule B and a Certificate of Insurance.

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);
• a current Title Search of the property;
• a Schedule B from a Registered Professional; and
• a Certificate of Insurance from a Registered Professional.

Drawing requirements

Include the following plans with your Retaining Wall Permit application:

• one (1) set of plans:
  • all applicable site plan(s), cross section(s).

All plans and information submitted must be legible and suitable quality for scanning. Minimum size 11" x 17" sheets are required (24" x 36" preferred). Blueprint paper, vellum or graph paper will not be accepted. Drawings in colour ink or in pencil will not be accepted. Drawings should not be laminated. Reversed plans are not acceptable.

Fees

The building permit fee is due at the time of your application. If applicable, a damage deposit must be paid at the time of application.

After you apply

Once the plan reviewer is satisfied that all the requirements have been met, the permit will be issued and the applicant will be notified. You will be required to have the drawing at the location at all times during construction.

The Trees and Landscape Department will also do a review of the application to determine if there are any tree protection requirements.

Conditions

A retaining wall, or any portion of a retaining wall, shall be located within your property and is not permitted to be constructed within any Right-of-Way, easement or restrictive covenant area.