The City of Surrey is looking to the future of housing—right in residents’ backyards.
Through a Backyard Housing Initiative, Surrey city staff are studying how prefabricated garden suites could be introduced as part of its broader housing strategy. Council has directed staff to review permitting processes, design options, and bylaw changes needed to make factory-built accessory dwelling units (ADUs) a reality.
“These units could range from 600 to 1,400 square feet, in one- or two-storey designs,” explained Ron Gill, Surrey’s general manager of planning and development. “They offer customization, faster construction, reduced neighbourhood disruption, and more predictable costs for homeowners.”
Mayor Brenda Locke praised the study, saying it highlights Surrey’s unique approach: “It just demonstrates that cities are all unique and certainly the City of Surrey is unique. To be doing custom designs is really important.”
The initiative builds on a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation grant Surrey received in late 2023 under the Housing Accelerator Fund, which supports faster and more affordable small-scale housing delivery.
Gill noted that multiple companies are now pursuing CSA-approved prefabricated housing designs, with growing regional interest. The City has engaged Small Housing BC to conduct research, gather public feedback, and consult with developers.
Findings and recommendations—including possible zoning bylaw updates—are expected to come before council in early 2026.
If adopted, prefabricated ADUs could become Surrey’s next step in tackling housing affordability and expanding options for the city’s “missing middle.”
