Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has taken a major step toward modernizing its development processes with the launch of the ‘Multi-Family and Complex Building Permit Portal’. Introduced on November 18, this new platform expands the City’s suite of online permitting services, which previously included electrical, plumbing, and signage permits.
The portal’s launch is a key component of Surrey’s ‘Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan’, aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the permitting process. By digitizing complex and multi-family building permits, the City is striving to improve the applicant experience and support the development of diverse housing options.
Registered applicants will now benefit from a host of features, including real-time updates on permit status, detailed plan review feedback highlighting deficiencies, and online payment options for eligible fees. Additionally, applicants can easily request inspections once permits are issued. These enhancements are designed to streamline the development process and reduce delays.
Mayor Brenda Locke hailed the new portal as a significant milestone, stating, “This innovative online permitting system reflects our commitment to improving processes and increasing transparency and efficiency. By embracing technology, we are paving the way for more diverse housing options in our city and ensuring Surrey remains a vibrant and accessible place to call home for everyone.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce approval timelines for development permits. The City has introduced ‘Development and Permit Approval Targets’, which aim to cut permit approval times by at least 30%. These targets, set to be published on the City’s website in early 2025, will cover townhouses, low-rise, and high-rise projects.
By focusing on applicant experience and leveraging technology, Surrey is challenging traditional timelines and reaffirming its commitment to service excellence. This latest initiative underscores the City’s leadership in municipal innovation, ensuring it remains responsive to growing housing demands while fostering an efficient and transparent development environment.