Antenna Systems Permit
Learn more about the submission requirements for modifying or installing a new antenna system and antenna supporting structure.
You need a building permit for:
- installing a new antenna system, antenna system supporting structure and/or related equipment; or
- modifying an existing antenna system, antenna system supporting structure and/or related equipment.
An antenna supporting structure is any tower, roof‐top, building‐mounted pole, spire, or other freestanding structure; existing electric or other utility tower or structure, streetlight pole, parking lot light pole or combination thereof, including supporting lines, cables, wires, and braces intended for the purpose of mounting a telecommunication antenna or series of antennas on it.
Also included are any onsite cabinets or shelters containing electronic or other equipment associated with these antenna structures and any compound required to accommodate these components.
Prerequisites
Prior to applying for a building permit, the applicant must contact Development Planning to confirm that the proposed antenna system and/or antenna supporting system will comply with all City bylaws, plans, and policies, including Policy No. O-62.
To consult with Development Planning, contact:
North Surrey:
John Koch-Schulte
Phone: 604-591-4745
Email: jkoch-schulte@surrey.ca
or
South Surrey:
Jonathan Kew
Phone: 236-474-3113
Email: jonathan.kew@surrey.ca
Document requirements
If any of the required documents are not included within your submission package, your submission may be rejected. Upon review of your application submission, the City may request additional documents other than the items listed.
- a Building Permit Application form
- an Owner Authorization form, if the applicant is not the owner
- a Schedule B from each Registered Professional submitted signed and sealed drawings
- a Schedule A, if more than one Schedule B is submitted
- Certificate of Insurance from each Registered Professional
- a Damage Deposit form, if a damage deposit is required
Drawing requirements
Review the design, structural and electrical drawing requirements before submitting your application package. If any of the required drawings are missing from your application, your submission may be rejected.
Design
Four sets of design drawings that include:
- Site plan, drawn to minimum scale of 1/8” = 1’-0” which includes:
- All property lines,
- Location of the proposed antenna system and/or antenna system supporting structure,
- Setback distances to the proposed antenna system,
- All existing buildings and structures, and
- Proposed fencing and landscaping.
- Elevations, which include:
- Height dimensions for all proposed antenna structures, and
- Proposed materials and colours of antenna or any proposed shrouding.
When the proposed antenna system is located within an existing building, additional plans are required:
- Floor plan of each affected floor,
- Roof plan,
- Cross section that include height dimensions for all proposed antenna structures in relation to the existing building.
Antenna systems are to be landscaped and screened to integrate with the surrounding environment and to shield it from neighbouring properties. Any proposals for screening that are required as part of Development Planning approval are to be included in the permit submission drawings.
Structural
Four sets of sealed structural plans and details that include details of anchorage and foundations.
If structural plans reference a geotechnical report, include one sealed copy of report with permit submission.
Electrical
Four sets of sealed electrical plans and details that include all proposed electrical connections.
A separate electrical permit application shall be submitted by the electrical contractor after issuance of the building permit.
No lights, reflectors, flashers, daytime strobes, or steady night-time light or other illuminating device except required aircraft warning lights shall be affixed or attached in any way to an antenna system or antenna supporting structure.
How to apply
Complete the Building Permit Application form and submit the required documents, plans, and fees by email, or in-person.
Digital permit intakes
Planning & Development permits can be submitted by email to permitapplication@surrey.ca.
Before submitting your application, review the digital submission guide. You will be contacted once we have reviewed your submission.
Requesting hard copies for digital application submissions
Hard (physical) copies of drawings and documents may be requested throughout the permitting process. If you submit your application digitally, hard copies may be requested depending on the scope of work and project size.
Staff will communicate directly with the applicant if hard copies are required. If you submit digitally, do not send in hard copies unless requested to do so by staff.
Fees
Building permit fees are determined based on the declared value of construction. The plan processing fee (35% of the estimated building permit fee) is collected at intake and is non-refundable.
A damage deposit of $2,500 is required if the value of construction exceeds $20,000 and the proposed structure is free-standing. Adding antennas to existing structures, such as an existing monopole or building, will not require a damage deposit.