Surrey, BC – The race to keep up with growing housing demands has sparked cities to rethink traditional processes, but Surrey is taking it a step further. Imagine a process that slashes housing approval timelines, simplifies requirements, and gets housing built faster—this is exactly what Surrey’s new pilot program and task force aim to accomplish. For real estate developers, investors, policymakers, and prospective residents, this move signals a proactive shift in Surrey’s approach to creating accessible, quality housing for all.

What is Surrey’s Pilot Program All About?

The City of Surrey’s one-year pilot program focuses on expediting approvals for houseplexes—multi-unit residential buildings with up to four units. Rather than the standard drawn-out permit process, the program enables a faster, staff-delegated review, reducing wait times significantly. Here’s how:

1. Reduced Application Fees & Wait Times

Under the new pilot, the permit fee for houseplexes drops from $5,014 to just $389. This change makes it considerably more accessible for developers to start projects and offers faster housing options for future residents. Lower fees combined with quicker processing mean that projects can break ground sooner, easing the path for developers who are already contributing to Surrey’s growing housing landscape.

2. Contextual Design Standards

The program isn’t just about speed; it also emphasizes building harmony within existing neighborhoods. While the application process is streamlined, the design standards ensure houseplexes complement the aesthetic and character of the area. This encourages developers to create attractive, community-friendly housing without getting bogged down in red tape.

What is Surrey’s Pilot Program All About?

Surrey’s approach to improving housing goes beyond individual projects with the launch of the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force. This task force takes a holistic look at the city’s permitting procedures, aiming to cut down on inefficiencies and modernize the overall system.

1. A Collaborative Approach to Solutions

With leaders like Rob Blackwell (Anthem Properties), Josh Gaglardi (Orion Construction), and Avtar Johl (Platinum Group) on board, the task force brings together expertise from Surrey’s real estate community. Together, they’ll explore best practices, learn from other municipalities, and foster a collaborative environment to create a streamlined system that benefits all stakeholders—from city planners to potential homebuyers.

2. Digital and Transparent Processes

One of the task force’s main objectives is to develop a digitized approval system. A digital system offers clarity and efficiency, allowing all parties involved—from developers to city officials—to track applications in real time. This type of transparency is especially beneficial for real estate investors, who can make informed, timely decisions without the uncertainty that often surrounds traditional processes.

How This Affects Surrey’s Future Housing Market

Surrey’s initiatives reflect a city that values both efficiency and quality in housing development. The result? A robust housing market with high-quality, affordable options for residents and exciting prospects for investors. Here’s why this matters:

• Enhanced Housing Options for Residents: For potential homeowners and renters, Surrey’s accelerated process means they’ll have access to housing sooner, as houseplexes and other projects move forward without unnecessary delays.
• Opportunities for Developers and Investors: Lower barriers to entry encourage developers to bring innovative projects to market faster. This pilot program may also increase investor interest in Surrey, as the city is now positioned as a forward-thinking area for housing solutions.

A Call to Join Surrey’s Real Estate Momentum

Whether you’re a developer, city planner, policy influencer, or potential buyer, Surrey’s proactive steps toward housing innovation invite you to be part of this transformation. Want to stay informed about how these changes unfold and what opportunities may arise? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on Surrey’s housing market and be at the forefront of industry trends and new developments in the city.