Navigate Surrey's Building Permits with Ease: Your 2024-2025 Guide

Dreaming of a stunning new kitchen, home additions, or a luxurious bathroom remodel in Surrey, BC? At PelionMark, we're here to help you bring your vision to life! But before you dive into your exciting renovation project, it's essential to understand the City's building permits and requirements including the new energy efficiency standards. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to navigate your renos with confidence.

Building, Renovation, Home Additions, Permits: Your Project's Foundation

Think of building permits as the foundation for your renovation project. They ensure your project complies with the BC Building Code, local bylaws, and safety standards, guaranteeing a safe and successful outcome [1]. (building permits in White Rock)

Building Permit Surrey, Do I Need a Permit?

The City of Surrey requires permits for various renovation and home addition projects, including these building permit surrey types:

Permit Type	Description
Additions	Expanding your living space with a new addition.
Decks	Creating the perfect outdoor oasis with a new deck.
Detached Garages and Accessory Buildings	Adding a garage, workshop, or other structures to your property.
Interior Renovations	Making significant changes inside your home, like moving walls or updating plumbing.
Secondary Suites	Creating a comfortable and legal secondary suite.
Finishing Basements	Transforming your unfinished basement into a functional living space.

Remember that separate permits are required for plumbing and electrical work, and you can only apply for these after receiving your building permit [2].

When You Don't Need a Permit

While permits are generally required for most renovation work, some smaller projects may not need one, such as:

Replacing flooring [2].
Minor repairs to the exterior of your home [2].
Building a fence (in some situations) [2].
Building a small storage shed (in some situations) [2].

If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, don't hesitate to reach out to the City of Surrey Building Information Line at 604-591-4366 [3].

Energy Efficiency: Building a Sustainable Future

Surrey is committed to building a greener future, and that includes making our homes more energy-efficient. The BC Energy Step Code sets energy performance levels for new buildings, aiming to improve home comfort, reduce energy costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions [4].

What is the Step Code?

The Step Code applies to building permit applications submitted after April 1, 2019, for:

Part 9 buildings (single-family homes and small multi-unit residential buildings) [4].
Part 3 buildings (large multi-unit residential and commercial buildings) [4].

It measures the performance of different building components, including:

Airtightness: Ensuring your home is properly sealed to prevent energy loss [4].
Envelope Thermal Performance: Meeting insulation and thermal performance standards for walls, roofs, and windows [4].
Mechanical Equipment Efficiency: Using energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and cooling systems [4].

To comply with the Step Code, builders must hire a certified energy advisor to conduct energy modeling and ensure the building meets the required performance levels [4].

Building Permit Fees: Planning Your Budget

Building permit fees in Surrey are calculated based on the value of your construction project [5]. You can use the City's online Fee Estimator to get an estimate of the fees for your project [5].

Learn more about whole home renovation costs in Surrey and White Rock

Fee Reductions: Saving You Money

Did you know that the City of Surrey offers incentives to encourage the development of high-density housing near transit? The Rapid Transit Development Incentive Program provides a 50% reduction in building permit fees for projects within 1.5 kilometers of a SkyTrain station or RapidBus route [6].

Building Permit Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a building permit in Surrey is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Download the Guide and Application Form: Visit the City of Surrey website and download the "Guide to Applying for a Building Permit for an Addition" and the "Building Permit Application Form" [7].
Complete the Application: Fill out the application form accurately and gather all the required documents, plans, and fees [7].
Submit Your Application: Submit your application package by email or in person [7]. If submitting digitally, review the "Building a digital submission guide" before submitting [7].

You can also book an appointment with City staff via the Client Services Centre at (604) 591-4086 for building permit inquiries [8].

Required Documents: Gathering Your Paperwork

In addition to the application form, you'll need to submit various supporting documents, including:

Owner Authorization Form: If you're not the property owner [7].
Title Search: A current title search of the property [7].
Schedule B: For structural designs and other relevant information [7].
Building Scheme Design Approval: If applicable [7].
Fraser Health Septic Approval: If applicable [7].

Drawing Requirements: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Your application must include detailed drawings of your project. These drawings are essential for ensuring your project complies with building codes and safety standards [9]. The required drawings include:

Site plan(s) [7]
Foundation plan(s) [7]
Crawlspace plan(s) [7]
Floor plan(s) [7]
Roof plan(s) [7]
Cross-section(s) [7]
Elevation drawings [7]
Construction details [7]
Moisture management details (rain screen details) [7]
An original topographical survey plan no older than six months (if applicable) [7]
An engineered truss layout (if applicable) [7]

All drawings must be clear, legible, and suitable for scanning [7].

Inspection Process: Ensuring Quality and Safety

The inspection process is a crucial part of ensuring your renovation or home addition project meets safety and building code requirements. While specific details for Surrey are limited, you can generally expect inspections at various stages of your project.

What to Expect During Inspections

Schedule Inspections: Make sure to book all required inspections in advance.
Provide Access: Have approved drawings and permit documents readily available for the inspector and ensure the work area is accessible and safe.
Address Deficiencies: If any issues are found during the inspection, address them promptly to avoid delays in your project.
Final Inspection: A final inspection will be required before you can occupy the renovated or newly added space.

Common Building Code Violations: Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Failing to obtain the necessary permits is a common building code violation in Surrey. Constructing without permits can lead to enforcement action, fines, and potential safety hazards. The City of Surrey has an Illegal Construction Enforcement Team (ICET) dedicated to addressing unpermitted construction [10].

Other common violations include:

Non-compliance with zoning regulations.
Inadequate structural design.
Improper electrical wiring.
Insufficient insulation.
Lack of proper fire safety measures.

To avoid violations, ensure your project complies with all applicable building codes and regulations.

Choosing a Qualified Contractor: Partnering with the Best

When undertaking home renovations or a home addition project, it's crucial to hire qualified and licensed contractors and tradespeople. Consider the following factors when selecting professionals for your project:

Experience and Expertise: Choose contractors with a proven track record and expertise in the type of renovation you are undertaking.
Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the contractors have the necessary licenses and insurance to protect you and your property.
References and Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references to verify the contractor's reputation and the quality of their work.
Communication and Timeliness: Effective communication and adherence to project timelines are essential for a smooth renovation process.
Contracts and Agreements: Have a written contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, timelines, and payment terms.

Energy Efficiency Rebates and Incentives: Saving Money and the Environment

The City of Surrey and the Province of British Columbia offer various rebates and incentives to encourage energy-efficient upgrades in homes. These programs can help you reduce your environmental impact and save money on your energy bills.

Heat Pump Rebates

CleanBC Better Homes Energy Saving Program: This program offers rebates of up to $44,900 for energy-efficient home upgrades, including heat pumps [11, 12].
Home Renovation Rebate Program: This program, offered in partnership between BC Hydro, FortisBC, and CleanBC, provides rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, including heat pumps, in existing homes [13].

Solar Panel Rebates

Rebates for Solar Panels and Energy Storage: BC Hydro offers rebates of up to $10,000 on eligible grid-connected solar panels and battery storage systems [11].

Other Rebates and Incentives

FortisBC Home Renovation Bonus Rebates: FortisBC offers bonus rebates for completing two or more eligible energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulation, windows, and heating systems [14].

The table below summarizes the key energy efficiency rebate programs available in Surrey:

Program Name	Description	Rebate Amount
CleanBC Better Homes Energy Saving Program	Rebates for various energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation, windows, heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters.	Up to $44,900
Rebates for Solar Panels and Energy Storage	Rebates on eligible grid-connected solar panels and battery storage systems.	Up to $10,000
Home Renovation Rebate Program	Rebates for energy-efficient upgrades in existing homes.	Varies depending on the primary heating source.
FortisBC Home Renovation Bonus Rebates	Bonus rebates for completing two or more eligible energy-efficient upgrades.	Varies depending on the upgrades.

Important Note: Be wary of scams requesting banking information or advance payments for energy efficiency programs. Legitimate programs do not require this information. If you encounter such requests, decline and report them to the appropriate authorities [13].

Energy-Efficient Building Materials and Technologies: Making Smart Choices

Surrey, BC, offers a range of energy-efficient building materials and technologies to help you create a sustainable and comfortable home.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Insulation

EPS insulation is a popular choice for energy-efficient construction in Surrey [15]. It provides excellent thermal resistance, meaning it effectively resists the flow of heat, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also offers moisture protection, preventing moisture from damaging your home's structure and contributing to mold growth. By using EPS insulation, you can reduce energy consumption and improve the durability of your home [15].

Heat Pumps and Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) Systems

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly common in energy-efficient homes due to their ability to provide both heating and cooling. They work by transferring heat from one place to another, using electricity to move refrigerant. In the winter, they extract heat from the outside air (even in cold temperatures) and transfer it indoors. In the summer, they reverse the process, removing heat from your home and releasing it outside [16].

Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems help to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. They use a heat exchanger to recover heat from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming air, minimizing energy loss [16].

Other Energy-Efficient Materials

Other energy-efficient building materials and technologies available in Surrey include:

High-performance windows and doors with low-E coatings: These windows and doors have special coatings that reduce heat transfer, improving insulation and reducing energy costs.
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for walls and foundations: ICFs are pre-formed blocks or panels made of insulating foam that are filled with concrete. They provide excellent insulation and structural strength.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) for walls and roofs: SIPs are pre-fabricated panels consisting of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings, such as oriented strand board (OSB). They offer high insulation values and can speed up construction.
Energy-efficient lighting systems: LED lighting and other energy-efficient lighting technologies use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing energy consumption and costs.
Water-saving fixtures: Low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets help to conserve water, reducing water bills and environmental impact.

2024 and 2025 Building Code Updates: Staying Ahead of the Curve

The BC Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024) came into effect on March 8, 2024, introducing several changes to enhance building safety, sustainability, and accessibility [17].

Key Updates for 2024

Cooling Requirements: All new residential buildings must have at least one living space designed not to exceed 26°C [18]. This may require a cooling appliance, such as air conditioning, in many parts of the province [18].
Accessibility: New accessibility requirements include power-operated doors at all entrances, elevators in larger apartment buildings, and designated wheelchair spaces in event facilities [18].

Upcoming Changes for 2025

Adaptable Dwellings: Adaptable dwellings are designed to be easily modified to meet occupants' changing needs [17]. Starting March 10, 2025, 100% of dwellings in large condominium and apartment buildings, and first-floor units in new small apartments and condominiums, must be adaptable [19].
Earthquake Design: Changes to earthquake design requirements will also come into effect on March 10, 2025 [17].

Conclusion: Your Dream Renovation Awaits!

Renovating or building a home addition in Surrey, BC, requires careful planning and adherence to building codes, permit requirements, and energy efficiency standards. By understanding the information provided in this guide and utilizing available resources, you can ensure your project is completed successfully and efficiently.

At PelionMark, we're passionate about creating beautiful and functional spaces that meet your unique needs and style. We're experts in navigating the complexities of building permits, energy efficiency, and rebate programs, ensuring a stress-free renovation experience for our clients. We will handle all your city of Surrey building permit and city of White Rock building permit applications and requirements.

Ready to transform your home? Contact PelionMark today for a free consultation and let's bring your dream renovation to life!

Specs McSquared - Signing off - Measure Twice, Stare Once

Resources

Surrey Residential Building Permits

Surrey Energy Step Code for New Buildings

Surrey Permit Fees Estimator