Find out about residential building permits, including when you need one and how to apply.

Building a House in Surrey

When you need a Permit

 A residential building permit is usually required for building or renovating work, such as:

  • building a house,
  • finishing a basement,
  • building an addition, detached garage or accessory building or,
  • interior renovations.

Scroll down to see the A to Z Residential Buildings Permit List to learn the requirements for residential permits, such as Deck Permits, Demolition Permits and Basement Finishing Permits.

Separate plumbing and electrical permits are required for any plumbing and electrical work. Plumbing and electrical permits may be applied for only after you've been issued the building permit.

When you don't need a Permit

A building permit is not required for projects such as:

  • replacing flooring,
  • minor repairs to the exterior of your home,
  • building a fence (not needed in some situations; see below) or,
  • building a storage shed (not needed in some situations; see below).

Building Permit Forms

To make sure you fill out the application form correctly, review the residential building permit application form requirements.

Building Permit Fees

Fees can be paid by cash, cheque or debit. See the current City of Surrey building permit fees.

Residential Building Permits

Find the details below on how to apply for the most popular types of building permits. This list is not comprehensive. If you have doubts on whether you require a permit for your work, call the Building Information Line at 604-591-4366.

Building a Fence

Find fencing regulations under Subsection 8 of Section E of Part 4 of General Provisions in the Surrey Zoning By-law 12000. A building permit is not required. A fence is to be located on your property. If you and your neighbour decide to share a fence, the City of Surrey has no jurisdiction in disputes arising over fences. Fences cannot be located on City property or on any City right-of-way or easement areas.

If you don't know where your property line is, your lot information may be on record with the City of Surrey. You can request a Survey Certificate by email at buildingfileregistry@surrey.ca. You may have to hire a registered British Columbia Land Surveyor to come to your property and find your property lines. 

Building a Storage Shed

Small simple storage sheds typically require a permit. See below for a more detailed list of requirements regarding the construction of these small sheds.

Building requirements:

  • Storage shed with floor area of 10 m2 (108 ft2) or less may installed/constructed without a building permit however it shall comply with the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw (setbacks, height limit…).
  • No building permit is required if the shed has one light with switch.
  • Add any receptacle (plug) and/or more than one light/switch then a building permit & electrical permit for the shed is required.  Also, any added plumbing/mechanical requires a building permit and plumbing permit.

Electrical scenarios, permit requirements:

  • A storage shed has only 1 light and a control switch: The wiring does not need a separate electrical permit. The wiring for the shed may be included in the main SFD electrical permit (similar to gate wiring, post light wiring etc.).
  • If a building permit is required for construction reasons, or additional electrical beyond a light and control switch, a separate electrical permit is required for each building with a building permit and electrical services (i.e. detached garage, detached workshop, detached main electrical service shed, etc.).
  •  If a storage shed has additional electrical above 1 light and a control switch, a building permit and separate electrical permit are required.

Other Permit Information

Addition Permits

Apply for an Addition Permit for an addition to a single family dwelling or duplex.

Bridgeview Floodplain Residential Building Permit

Apply for a Residential Building Permit for properties located in the Bridgeview Floodplain.

Construction without permits

See how to make a complaint about illegal construction happening in your neighbourhood.

Crescent Beach Floodplain Residential Building Permit

Apply for a Crescent Beach Floodplain Residential Building Permit for properties located in the Crescent Beach floodplain

Deck Permit

Apply for a Deck Permit when constructing a deck addition on a house.

Decommissioning a Swimming Pool Permit

Apply for a permit to decommission an in-ground swimming pool.

Demolition Permit

Find out how to demolish any building or structure in Surrey.

Detached Garage or Accessory Building Permit

Apply for a Detached Garage or Accessory Building Permit for residential garages and accessory buildings

Interior Renovation Permit

Apply for an Interior Renovation Permit for an interior renovation project in a single family dwelling or detached home.

Modular Home Building Permit

Apply for a Modular Home Building Permit for a single family dwelling.

Residential Storage Tank Removal Permit

Apply for a permit to remove an underground storage tank on a residential property.

Retaining Wall Permit

Apply for a Retaining Wall Permit for a retaining wall on a residential property.

Secondary Suite Permit

Apply for a Secondary Suite Permit for legal secondary suites or structures.

Septic Requirements

Review Septic Requirements for Building Permit applications.

Single Family Dwelling Basement Finishing Permit

Apply for a Basement Finishing Permit for detached homes and single family dwelling homes.

Single Family Dwelling Permit

Apply for a New Single Family Dwelling Permit to construct a new single family dwelling.

Solar Panel Installation Permit

Apply for a permit to install solar panels on existing buildings, as part of a photovoltaic (PV) system or solar hot water (SHW) system.

Swimming Pool Permit

Apply for a Swimming Pool Permit to install an above ground swimming pool, in-ground swimming pool, indoor swimming pool or hot tub.