Apply for a Building Permit to Convert an Existing Single Family Dwelling to a Commercial Building

You need a Building Permit in Surrey to convert an existing single family dwelling to a commercial building.

How to apply

Complete the Building Permit Application Form and submit the required documents, plans, and fees to the City of Surrey's Building Division by email, or in-person by appointment.

Digital permit intakes

Planning & Development permits can be submitted by email to permitapplication@surrey.ca. Before submitting your application, please review the Digital Submission Guideline. You will be contacted once we have reviewed your submission.

All permit application processes will remain the same, apart from receiving the physical document copies. Hard copies of permit application submissions may be necessary and requested depending on the scope of work and project size, upon completion of the digital submission.

Professionals you may need

A Registered Professional (RP) may be required for the Architectural, Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical and Landscape disciplines based on the extent of the proposed work. A Coordinating Registered Professional (CRP) will be required if there is more than one RP involved with the project.

Prerequisites

In most cases, a property with an existing SFD will need to be rezoned to allow commercial use. The Planning Division will also determine if a Development Permit is required.

Required documents

Include the following documents with your Building Permit application:

Drawing requirements

Include the following plans, sealed and signed by the applicable Registered Professional:

  • four (4) sets of plans:
    • architectural (including site plan);
    • plumbing;
    • structural;
    • electrical;
    • civil (including lot grading);
    • landscape; and
    • mechanical.

In some cases, submission of plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and/or civil drawings can be waived based on the extent of the proposed work. Consult with the respective Building Division Sections for the criteria and permission to waive the requirements for drawings and accompanying Schedule B.

Cost/fees

The Building Permit fee will be based on the value of construction and must be paid prior to the issuance of the permit.