Surrey Fast-Tracks Development with New Reforms
Surrey’s development process is getting a major upgrade, thanks to two important changes: a new pre-application pilot program and streamlined building permit submission rules. Designed to improve clarity, reduce wait times, and encourage faster housing and economic growth, these changes reflect Surrey’s ongoing commitment to smarter, more efficient planning.
Both updates were recently approved by Surrey City Council and are already generating buzz among developers and community leaders alike.
Pre-Application Pilot Aims for Speed and Clarity
At the heart of the improvements is a Pre-Application Pilot Program built to enhance transparency and strengthen communication between applicants and staff. The program introduces several new digital tools and timelines that make navigating the early stages of development more predictable.
Here’s what’s new:
- Applicants can now view meeting dates, proposal comments, and staff contacts online.
- Clear minimum submission requirements are defined based on project types.
- A target timeline of five weeks is set for reviewing complete pre-application packages.
By standardizing expectations and boosting communication early in the process, the city hopes to reduce errors, avoid delays, and set projects on the right path from day one.
This pilot program will run for four months before being reviewed for further improvements.
Updated Building Permit Rules for Faster Processing
In parallel, Surrey has also updated its Building Bylaw to allow for early building permit applications—but only once specific criteria are met. These changes are tailored for commercial, industrial, or multi-residential projects and are meant to reduce repeated reviews and cut processing times.
To qualify for early submission, developers must have:
- Conditional Council approval
- Paid their Engineering servicing fee
- Finalized architectural and landscaping drawings (as required)
These conditions help ensure consistency in staff review and give applicants a clear checklist to work from, reducing guesswork and rework down the line.
A Clearer Path to Permits—and Progress
Mayor Brenda Locke believes this is a game-changing step forward:
“Through innovation, data-driven decisions, and continuous policy review, we’re creating faster, smarter ways to build Surrey,” she said. “These updates help us reduce approval times by at least 30% while supporting new housing and economic development.”
Councillor Pardeep Kooner, who chairs the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force, added:
“This is more than just streamlining—it’s about creating a better experience. Early engagement means better submissions, faster results, and more opportunities for our growing city.”
For more information about Surrey’s ongoing development improvements, visit surrey.ca/development.
Stay tuned to Surrey Speak for the latest on policy changes, city-building efforts, and how smart reforms are shaping a stronger, faster, and more connected Surrey.
