Surrey Council files notice on title for illegal construction at Royal Heights home amid ongoing enforcement under the city’s ICET program.
City Targets Unpermitted Construction in North Surrey
The City of Surrey has filed a Notice on Title for a property in the Royal Heights neighbourhood due to unauthorized construction, marking another enforcement move under the city’s Illegal Construction Enforcement Team (ICET). The latest case involves a two-storey house at 9730 Townline Diversion, owned by Jasvir Singh Sangha and Khushvinder Kaur Sangha since 2016.
Details of Unapproved Structures and Fines
According to a corporate report submitted to council by Ron Gill, Surrey’s General Manager of Planning and Development, and Kyle May, a building inspector, multiple site visits confirmed unpermitted work at the property. Additions included two dwelling units, a rooftop deck, and two awnings, all built without a valid building permit.
The owners were issued seven bylaw contravention notices, accumulating $2,000 in fines—three of which are being contested. An additional $1,140 in site visit fees has already been paid.
No Path to Legalization, Say Officials
The report notes that construction has advanced to a point where critical elements are no longer visible, making inspections impossible. The City concluded there is no realistic path to permit approval due to non-compliance with the Building Bylaw and the BC Building Code. Further, the zoning bylaw was breached by exceeding the allowable number of secondary suites in a single-family residence.
Legal Proceedings at Council Hearing
At a recent council meeting, the owners’ newly retained lawyer requested a two-week adjournment, citing a lack of preparation time. However, Mayor Brenda Locke and City staff opposed the delay, with assistant solicitor Guillermo Flores arguing that construction continued after both a stop-work order and compliance order were issued in May 2025.
Despite the lawyer’s plea that the client had been cooperating and consulting engineers, council voted to proceed with the hearing. City Solicitor Philip Huynh stressed the need for fairness but acknowledged the owner’s extended timeline to comply.
Owner’s Defense and Ongoing Efforts
The owner, Sangha, claimed he was unaware of the stop-work order, explaining that the home is not his primary residence and the person managing the build may have ignored the order. His lawyer maintained that architects and structural engineers were involved, and that the structure is not unsafe.
She added that the owner is willing to cooperate with the City to bring the building into compliance and requested more time to schedule inspections. However, City staff noted that essential inspection points are already obscured, making post-construction verification difficult.
Broader Pattern of Enforcement in Surrey
This case is part of a larger enforcement trend. On June 16, council filed notices on title for two other North Surrey addresses: 7924-123 St. and 12675-100 Ave. Other properties added this year include 16460 93A Ave., 17669 40 Ave., 9040 Skye Place, and 6718 140A St., reflecting the city’s intensified approach to combatting illegal construction.
ICET: Surrey’s Specialized Response Unit
The Illegal Construction Enforcement Team (ICET) was launched on April 27, 2022, to address unpermitted builds and uphold zoning laws. Notices on title under Section 57 of the Community Charter serve as red flags for potential buyers, insurers, and lenders, warning of legal and safety issues linked to a property.
Conclusion:
Surrey continues to reinforce strict compliance with building regulations, with this latest Royal Heights case underscoring the risks property owners face when bypassing legal construction processes. The City’s message remains clear: build legally or face public and financial consequences.
