Single Family Dwelling Basement Finishing Permit

You need a permit to finish the basement in a single family dwelling or detached home.

How to apply

Download the Guide to Applying for a Building Permit to Finish a Basement.

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.

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 may need

A Registered Professional (RP) may be required to provide signed and sealed drawings if any of the basement finishing involves changes to the structural elements of the building.

Required documents

Include the following documents with your application:

• a Building Permit Application Form;
• an Owner Authorization Form (if the Application is not the Owner); and
• a current Title Search of the property (may be obtained from the Land Title Office).

Drawing requirements

Include the following plans with your application:

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

Most basement finishing does not involve structural work. However, if the proposed work will involve any change to the structural elements of a building, sealed and signed structural drawings and schedules will be required.

Other drawings that may be required

If an existing basement window will be enlarged, or if a new basement window will be installed, an elevation drawing of the affected building face and a cross section drawing through the wall in which the window will be installed are required.

If a new window well will be installed, the architectural drawings that are submitted shall show:

• the proposed materials that will be used to construct the window well;
• the length, width and depth of the well; and
• if the well will be more than 600 mm (2 ft deep), provide details of the required guard around the well or cover over the well.

Fees

The building permit fee is due at the time of your application. If required, 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 building 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.