Surrey simplifies houseplex approval rules to speed up housing supply, cutting permit delays under its one-year pilot program for multi-unit homes.
City Eases Development Rules
Surrey is moving to simplify the approval process for “houseplex” developments—multi-unit homes such as triplexes and fourplexes—to speed up housing delivery across the city. The update comes after a one-year pilot program that tested streamlined permit procedures aimed at improving efficiency for applicants.
Planning Department Leads the Change
Ron Gill, Surrey’s general manager of planning and development, told city council that amendments to the development permit process would “streamline and clarify” applications while reducing wait times. His report summarized the city’s pilot initiative, which has been in place since October 21, 2024, and assessed its impact on housing approvals.
A New Approach to Neighbourhood Design
Houseplexes, Gill explained, are multi-dwelling residential buildings—such as triplexes and fourplexes—that can integrate into existing single-family and duplex neighbourhoods if designed appropriately. The goal is to diversify housing options while maintaining the character of Surrey’s traditional residential areas.
Pilot Program Results
Since the pilot began, city hall has received 57 development permit applications for houseplexes, issued 26 permits, and has 31 more currently under review. While design quality improved through the pilot’s streamlined guidelines, Gill said the process unexpectedly lengthened review times and delayed housing delivery for only marginal design gains.
Moving Straight to Building Permits
To cut delays, Surrey will now allow applicants to proceed directly to the building permit stage—bypassing the extra development permit step—while still ensuring designs comply with zoning regulations for houseplex developments. The change aims to speed up construction and get new housing units built faster.
Council Praises Long-Term Impact
Councillor Pardeep Kooner said the city’s decision reflects a strong commitment to housing innovation. “We’re moving forward in a great way, and I think all of these changes are really going to make a huge impact in the long term,” Kooner said.
With Surrey’s population continuing to grow, city officials say simplifying houseplex approvals is a key step toward meeting housing demand and keeping projects on schedule.
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