SURREY– The City of Surrey is taking significant steps to expedite housing delivery and enhance the development approval process through innovative new initiatives. During the Regular Council Meeting recently, Surrey City Council approved a one-year pilot project aimed at simplifying the Development Permit process for houseplexes and approved the terms of reference for a Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force to further streamline approvals across the city.
“With the establishment of our pilot program for streamlined development permits for houseplexes and the launch of the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force, Surrey is leading the way in innovative housing solutions and development practices,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “By moving from a regulatory mindset to one of facilitation, we are taking a proactive approach to permit efficiency and enhancing housing supply.”
Simplified Development Permit Process for Houseplexes
The Development Permit pilot program for houseplex applications will better meet the growing demand for diverse housing. Houseplexes are multi-unit residential buildings with up to 4 dwelling units. The Development Permit pilot program for houseplexes will ensure that these new houseplexes are designed to fit in with existing neighbourhood context, but with a simplified, staff delegated, review and approval process, which will significantly reduce wait times and facilitate quicker project starts. The application fee will drop from $5,014 to $389, making houseplex development more accessible.
Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force
In a complementary effort, the Mayor has struck the Development Approval Process Improvement Task Force to comprehensively review and enhance the development and permitting processes within Surrey. This Task Force is tasked with providing recommendations aimed at significantly reducing timelines associated with rezoning and development approvals as well as examine existing processes for inefficiencies and engage with key stakeholders to identify best practices from other municipalities. It aims to create a streamlined, digitized system for transparent and efficient development processes.
Three members of Surrey’s development community have been appointed to the Task Force: Rob Blackwell (Anthem Properties), Josh Gaglardi (Orion Construction) and Avtar Johl (Platinum Group). A fourth member of the development industry will also be appointed to the Task Force, who represents single-family development.
Source: City of Surrey
