Surrey ramps up enforcement on unpermitted construction, but illegal home builds remain a persistent issue despite increased fines and faster permit processing.
Surrey Toughens Stance on Illegal Construction Activity
The City of Surrey is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal residential construction, but Mayor Brenda Locke admits the issue remains deeply rooted despite new enforcement tactics.
Longstanding Problem, Renewed Focus
Illegal construction has long plagued Surrey, B.C., with unpermitted builds transforming single-use structures into unsafe multi-unit dwellings. “This is an age-old problem for Surrey,” Locke said during a recent briefing. The city’s renewed push includes higher fines and a specialized enforcement team, but the mayor noted there’s been “no noticeable change” in the volume of illegal builds.
Policy Shifts and Penalty Hikes
In 2022, Surrey formed an illegal construction enforcement unit after issuing over 600 stop-work orders the previous year. That same year, fines for unpermitted work doubled from $500 to $1,000. Infractions include building without a permit, ignoring stop-work notices, and occupying homes before inspections.
Persistent Violations Across Metro Vancouver
Contractors say the problem extends beyond Surrey. Randy Kautzman, owner of Level One Construction, said the issue is widespread across Metro Vancouver. “You get a lot of shady contractors who tell clients they don’t need permits — and then build until they’re caught,” he said. Kautzman also warned homeowners that unpermitted work can void home insurance in cases of fire or flooding.
Recent Enforcement Cases in Surrey
Surrey officials have issued 73 bylaw enforcement notices and fined 22 property owners over $50,000 collectively in the past year. Notable violations include barns converted into multi-unit dwellings, carports turned into rental spaces, and homes with unauthorized rooftop decks lacking safety features.
Mayor Locke cited one example: “We saw windows at ground level, decks without railings — accidents waiting to happen.” These kinds of structures, she said, would never pass safety inspections or qualify for permits.
Obstacles in Enforcement and Legal Action
While the city has the option to pursue non-compliant property owners in court, Locke explained that legal battles are costly and time-consuming. Instead, the city is using visible notices on properties to pressure compliance. “That’s where we’re seeing faster action,” she noted.
Improving Permits, Encouraging Compliance
To address excuses related to bureaucratic delays, Surrey has shortened its permit processing timeline. “If the paperwork is proper, a permit can be approved in under 10 months,” said Locke. “Delays are no longer a valid excuse.”
Locke anticipates a rise in complaints as residents become more aware of enforcement efforts. “Now that people are seeing action, they’re more willing to report illegal builds in their neighbourhoods,” she said.
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