July 8, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Surrey, BC – Surrey City Council has ordered a Notice on Title to be filed on yet another property with illegal construction, this time located in the Royal Heights neighborhood of North Surrey.
These notices, issued pursuant to Section 57 of the Community Charter, are designed to alert potential buyers, lenders, and insurers about sites of unauthorized construction and the associated risks. The City of Surrey launched its Illegal Construction Enforcement Team (ICET) on April 27, 2022, to address such issues.
A corporate report presented to council, prepared by Surrey’s General Manager of Planning and Development Ron Gill and Building Inspector Kyle May, confirmed that numerous site visits by city staff found “unpermitted construction” at the property. This includes an addition to the rear of the house, which incorporates two dwelling units.
The report indicates that City Hall has issued seven bylaw contravention notices related to the unauthorized work. While the owners have paid $2,000.00 in fines, they have disputed three of the tickets, which are awaiting adjudication.
“Yesterday’s decision demonstrates Surrey City Council’s determination in combating illegal construction,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The owners built an addition to the rear of the house which included two dwelling units, a rooftop deck, and two awnings. All work was completed without getting the proper permits. The safety of Surrey residents is our first and utmost concern and we are taking a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to illegal construction. I would like to thank the Illegal Construction Enforcement Team for their dedication to keeping Surrey safe and accountable. Lastly, I would like to say that if you have questions or are unsure about the permitting process, the City is here to help you through the process. Let’s build safe homes together.”
In the past year alone, Surrey City Council has held seven Special Council Meetings where Notices on Title were directed for 11 properties belonging to 22 owners. These properties were found to have illegal construction and were occupied without permits, in violation of the City’s Building Bylaws. Collectively, the owners of these properties have been issued over $50,000 in fines and fees, along with 73 Bylaw Enforcement Notices and 78 site visit fees.
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