Decks
Depends on scopeSurrey states that in most cases a building permit is needed when constructing a deck addition on a house. Zoning and BC Building Code requirements also apply.
Surrey, BC
Building permits in Surrey
Surrey says building, renovating, finishing a basement, adding an addition, garage or accessory building will usually require a building permit.
Official sources checked Sep. 28, 2026
Permit rules by project
Pick the project that matches your work. These are starting rules for Surrey; property-specific zoning, heritage and trade approvals can still apply.
Sheds & accessory buildings
Depends on scopeSurrey allows a storage shed of 10 m² or less without a building permit only when it is at least 1.5 m from neighbouring property lines and 3.0 m from other buildings; zoning still applies and regulated trade work has separate permits.
Basement renovations
Permit requiredSurrey lists finishing a basement among residential work that usually requires a building permit.
Secondary suites & ADUs
Permit requiredSurrey requires the permit process to build or legalize a secondary suite and publishes a dedicated application route.
Home additions
Permit requiredSurrey lists building an addition among residential work that usually requires a building permit.
Interior alterations
Depends on scopeSurrey lists interior renovations among work usually requiring a permit while flooring and minor exterior repairs are listed as no-permit projects; the exact interior scope controls the result.
Walls / structural work
Depends on scopeSurrey structural renovations are handled through the residential building-permit process; engineering and additional documentation can be required depending on the structural scope.
Pools / hot tubs
Confirm with cityConfirm the pool structure, enclosure, grading and trade requirements.
Garages / carports
Permit requiredSurrey lists a detached garage or accessory building among residential work that usually requires a building permit, with a separate small-shed exemption under defined conditions.
Plumbing / HVAC
Permit requiredSurrey states that separate plumbing and electrical permits are required for plumbing and electrical work; they can be applied for after the building permit where applicable.
Fences
No building permitSurrey explicitly states that a building permit is not required for an ordinary fence; zoning, property-line, easement and right-of-way rules still apply.
Retaining walls
Depends on scopeSurrey requires a retaining-wall permit when the wall is greater than 1.2 m and the supporting ground is critical to building-foundation stability or the wall is on a sloping hillside.
Demolition
Permit requiredSurrey states that a permit is required for demolition of all buildings and structures.
Apply or ask Surrey
Use the municipality’s permit office for current forms, fees, drawings and questions about your property.
Your application route
Residential building permit information ↗Use the residential permit page to confirm the project requirements and follow the City’s application route.
Good to know in Surrey
- The city notes that plumbing and electrical permits can be separate from the building permit.
- Surrey says residential building permits are usually required for finishing a basement, additions, detached garages/accessory buildings and interior renovations.
- The City lists flooring replacement and minor exterior repairs among examples that do not require a building permit; fences and storage sheds can be exempt in some situations.
- Separate plumbing and electrical permits are required when that work is part of the project, and the City says those trade permits are applied for after the building permit is issued.
Official sources
Use these official links to confirm the current rule for your Surrey property.
View 4 official sources
Sources checked Sep. 28, 2026. Requirements can change; the municipality makes the final permit decision.
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