Illegal construction: City cracks down further after owners refused to comply

Posted by ReyFort Media

Surrey, B.C. – On Monday, Council directed staff to file notices on title to two properties at 14449 114A Avenue and 8861 139A Street where buildings were constructed and occupied without permits. This is the last Special Council Meeting of 2025, and it closes out a year of enforcement actions taken by the City to combat illegal construction. Looking forward to next year, the City will continue to prioritize residents’ safety by holding anyone accountable for building without permits and in violation of the rules and regulations. 

“Over the last year, I’ve made it clear that we will take the appropriate enforcement measures to ensure the safety of those who live, work, and visit Surrey,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “In one case yesterday, the owners had built a unit within the unpermitted structure, which was occupied by tenants, including children. This is unacceptable and dangerous.”   

14449 114A Avenue:

• A large two-storey addition was constructed at the rear of the dwelling without a building permit. It included a self-contained unit, with two bedrooms, living room, bathroom, and kitchen, which were occupied by tenants at the time of inspection. A deck bridging the two sides of the addition and a staircase were also built without permits. 
• The City issued the owners four bylaw enforcement notices, with $1,500 still outstanding, and seven site-visit fees totalling $1,568, of which $912 remains unpaid. The owners were also issued a compliance order to demolish the unpermitted addition. 

8861 139A Street:

• A large addition was constructed at the rear of the dwelling, containing two bedrooms, a bathroom, living area, kitchen, laundry machines, and storage area. 
• The City issued seven site-visit fees totalling $1,568, with $1,140 still outstanding, and two compliance orders to demolish the unpermitted addition. 

A notice on title under Section 57 of the Community Charter is a legal measure to inform the public about unauthorized structures on a property that were built without the necessary permits and inspections. The notices will alert potential buyers, lenders, and insurers about illegal construction and the potential risks associated with the properties.

The City of Surrey’s Illegal Construction Enforcement Team, established in 2022, is dedicated to enforcing the City’s bylaws and targeting residential construction that is done without permits, inspections, or compliance with safety standards. 

To file a complaint about construction you suspect has been done without permits, you can use the online service Report a Problem, email bylawcomplaint@surrey.ca or call 604-591-4370. If you see it, report it.