Certified Professional Program
Learn more about the Certified Professional Program.
This page is being updated. Check back for more information about the program.
Some Certified Professional forms have been withdrawn and replaced with the City’s standardized forms. Please use the current forms available on this webpage.
A voluntary, streamlined permitting process for obtaining building and occupancy permits for large, complex buildings. Under this program, Certified Professionals (CPs) assist with plan review and supervision of construction on behalf of the City.
Overview
The Certified Professional (CP) program provides an alternative method for obtaining building permits. A registered CP recognized by the Architectural Institute of British Columbia or Engineers and Geoscientists BC is responsible for both reviewing building plans and overseeing construction. The City relies on the CP's assurances to issue building permits and final acceptance (occupancy).
This is an optional building permit process specifically applicable to the design and construction of new complex buildings under Part 3 of the BC Building Code. The program is not intended for renovations or tenant improvements, except for tenant improvements prior to the final approval of the shell building constructed under the CP Program.
Eligibility
The use of CPs for buildings not covered under Part 3 of the BC Building Code does not align with the City of Surrey's CP Program. While building permit applications for Part 9 buildings can be submitted with a CP, they will not be processed under the City of Surrey CP Program.
Any permit application submitted using the CP program approach must be prepared in accordance with the British Columbia Certified Professional Program Manual and the City of Surrey CP Program Supplemental Manual.
How to apply
The CP is responsible and required to submit the building permit application along with all supporting documents in compliance with the City of Surrey Certified Professional Program Supplemental Manual.
Applications under the CP Program must be submitted in person only at this time.
Intake meeting
An intake meeting is mandatory before any CP building permit application can be accepted. The initial intake meeting is free; however, any additional intake meetings may incur a rescheduling fee. Attendance by both the CP and the Registered Architect is required.
Requirements
A complete CP building permit application package is required for the intake meeting. Additionally, if the related development permit is not issued, an early building permit application letter from the Development Planning Division must be obtained prior to the intake meeting.
Step 1: Obtain required permits and early building permit application letter
- Separate development permits may be required prior to requesting an intake meeting and submitting your CP building permit application.
- For more information on development permit applications, review the application process and requirements.
- After development permit third reading approval, request an early building permit application letter from your planner.
Step 2: Prepare your application package
The intake meeting ensures your CP building application package is complete and meets all requirements before your formal submission. You must bring a complete package to the meeting. If your package is incomplete, the meeting will be canceled, and a fee may be applied to any subsequent intake meeting.
To prepare your application package:
- Obtain your early building permit application letter, if applicable, and include it in your package.
- Prior to preparing any documents or drawings, ensure that the new civic address(es) of your property have been established by the Addressing Clerk.
- Email addressingrequests@surrey.ca to confirm your address.
- Complete the CP building permit intake checklist.
- Complete the building permit application form.
- Refer to the City of Surrey CP Program Supplemental Manual for more information.
Step 3: Schedule your intake meeting
Email CPinfo@surrey.ca to request an intake meeting and include:
- CP and Architect contact information
- Completed CP building permit intake checklist
- Proof of early building permit application letter, if applicable
You will receive an appointment confirmation by email within 3–5 business days. On the day of your appointment, check in at the second floor reception desk at City Hall.
Step 4: What to expect at your intake meeting
All intake meetings are held in-person.
- The CP and Project Architect must attend with all required documents. If either is absent, or the CP building permit package is incomplete, the meeting will be cancelled and a new intake meeting will need to be scheduled and a fee may apply.
- The CP and Project Architect should provide an overview of the project, guiding the Building Official through the proposal and highlighting all proposed Alternative Solutions in the building’s design.
- A Building Official will perform a cursory review of your CP building permit package.
- If the package is deemed acceptable, the Building Official will instruct the CP and Architect to proceed with their application and submit immediately following the intake meeting.
Step 5: Submitting your application and fee payment
Only CP BP packages approved at the intake meeting may proceed to the formal application stage.
- Submit your package at the second floor counter.
- Staff will collect your documents and direct you to pay the application fee.
- Payment can be made at the second floor cashier or online.
Step 6: What to expect after your application has been submitted
The City aims to review CP building permit applications within 7 weeks.
If issuance is delayed due to regulatory issues (e.g., pending development permits or non-compliance with provincial construction regulations), detailed review comments will be provided for resolution.
- After receipt of your application and payment, your application will be forwarded for review.
- A Permit Coordinator will process your documents, circulate them to all required departments for review and assign a Building Official to your application.
- Once processing is complete, you can track application status through our online services. Processing may take 2-3 business days to complete.
Step 7: What to expect after your building permit has been issued
Prior to construction
- Upon receipt of the building permit, the CP is required to notify the City in writing within one week once construction begins.
- Contractors can proceed with work on site and apply for all applicable trade permits through the online portal.
- Trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression work. The CP must confirm that the contractor has acquired all necessary trade permits before starting any related tasks.
During construction
- All completed work relating to trades permits must pass City inspections, which can be scheduled with a 24-hour notice. Learn more about the inspection process:
- The CP must submit monthly site review reports to the Building Inspector.
Getting occupancy
For large projects, a fire and life safety systems demonstration should be requested ahead of the final building approval inspection, for joint attendance by the Building Inspector and the Surrey Fire Service (SFS) Prevention Branch.
SFS attendance is at their discretion, depending on the complexity of the project. Contact the Building Inspector for more information.
- Submit all required documents, as listed on the Documentation Prior to Occupancy Checklist at least 48 hours before requesting the final building approval and occupancy inspection. After all trade permits have been concluded, the Building Inspector's review and acceptance completed, and all other applicable approvals have been received, the CP may schedule the final building approval and occupancy inspection.
- When necessary, as dictated by site conditions and project timelines, partial provisional building approval proposals may be considered. Contact the Building Inspector for more information.
- A final recommendation, including any outstanding deficiencies, is to be submitted to the Building Inspector in advance of any final building approval and occupancy inspection request.
- The CP can recommend but cannot authorize final or provisional occupancy approval of a building. Final or provisional building approval is granted based on the CP's recommendation and certification.
- Once all deficiencies are completed, including final approval for Trees and Landscape Section, a letter from the CP confirming completion of all deficiencies and a final building approval recommendation must be submitted to the Building Inspector.
- If accepted, final building approval will be granted and return of any securities will be initiated.
Resources
Access checklists, forms, and additional information related to the CP program:
Schedules
- Schedule CP-1 Confirmation of Commitment by Owner and Certified Professional
- Schedule CP-2 Confirmation of Completion of Code Coordination
- Schedule CP-3 Confirmation of Tenant Improvement Compatibility
- Schedule CP-4 Assurance of Tenant Improvement Code Coordination and Commitment for Field Review
- Schedule CP-4A Confirmation of Completion of Tenant Improvement Code Coordination and Site Review
Contact us
For questions, email CPinfo@surrey.ca.
