The City of Surrey is taking a significantly harder line against illegal and unpermitted construction, a priority it set three years ago. The intensified enforcement has already led to three properties being demolished this year alone under court orders. The city is also moving to place notices on the titles of other non-compliant properties, creating a permanent public record of the violations.
Enforcement Team Takes Hard Stance
Sean Simpson, who leads Surrey's dedicated illegal construction enforcement team, emphasized the city's firm position. "We take a hard stance against it," Simpson stated. The goal is to compel property owners to seek proper permits from the outset. The enforcement team was established in 2022 following a surge in violations, including over 600 stop-work orders issued in 2021.
To strengthen deterrence, the city also doubled the fine for unpermitted work from $500 to $1,000 in 2022. This penalty applies to a range of infractions, such as ignoring a stop-work order, constructing without a permit, occupying a building without approval, or obstructing an inspection.
Recent Cases and Financial Penalties
Surrey's council recently voted to file notices against two specific properties, signaling ongoing action. The first, located at 16835 26 Ave., involved the construction of a two-storey structure with approximately eight units in the backyard—all without a building permit. The owner faces substantial fines, including over $3,000 for 14 bylaw site visits (only partially paid) and an additional $11,500 for 23 bylaw enforcement notices, which remain unpaid.
The second property, at 16055 60 Ave., features a permitted new home and barn. However, the owner illegally created five dwelling units and multiple other rooms inside the barn. For this unpermitted work, the owner was fined and has paid $500 for a bylaw enforcement title notation and $1,340 for six site visits, with half of the latter amount paid.
Long-Term Consequences for Property Owners
The city's strategy extends beyond immediate fines. Attaching notices to a property's title serves as a critical disclosure to future lenders, buyers, or insurers. Liability for the unpermitted work transfers with the property, which can severely impact the ability to secure a mortgage or obtain insurance. "We want to strengthen and force these actions against unpermitted construction," Simpson explained, highlighting the desire to guide owners toward lawful processes.
This crackdown reflects Surrey's commitment to curbing what it views as egregious violations of building and safety codes. By combining court-ordered demolitions, significant fines, and lasting title notations, the city aims to create a powerful deterrent and protect the integrity of its building standards and community safety.
