Request Building Inspection Records - Surrey

Housing and Building Standards British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Surrey, British Columbia property owners, contractors, and members of the public can request building inspection records from the City of Surrey. This guide explains where and how to request records, which offices enforce building and bylaw requirements, what forms or fees may apply, and practical next steps so you can obtain inspection reports, permit files, and related records.

What records are available

The City maintains building permit files, inspection reports, and related documentation tied to active and historical permits. Public access may be provided directly by the Building Division or via an access to information request if records are not available online. For procedures on permits and inspections, consult the City of Surrey Building Permits & Inspections page City of Surrey - Building Permits & Inspections[1].

Start with the Building Division web pages to see if the record is published online.

How to request inspection records

  • Identify the property: civic address, legal description, and permit number if known.
  • Search the City permit/records search tool or the Building Permits & Inspections resources online. View permit resources[1]
  • Contact the Building Division for records not available online; the Building Division receives and responds to inspection-record requests.
  • If the record is not released administratively, submit an Access to Information request under the City’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy procedures. Access to Information & Privacy[2]
  • Fees and payment methods for access requests are set out by the City; check the Access to Information page for applicable charges and instructions. See fees and forms[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces building and related bylaws through the Building Division and Bylaw Enforcement. Enforcement can include orders to comply, stop work notices, and prosecution in the Provincial Court when contraventions occur. Specific monetary penalties for building-related bylaw contraventions are established in the controlling bylaws or through provincial statutes when applicable.

  • Primary enforcers: Building Division (inspections, compliance) and Bylaw Enforcement (bylaw contraventions and complaints). For enforcement contacts and complaint procedures see the City Bylaw Enforcement resources. City of Surrey - Bylaw Enforcement[3]
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages for generic inspection-record or building permit record offences; consult the specific bylaw text or the Building Division for exact fines.
  • Escalation: the City may issue warnings, orders, and escalating fines or prosecution for continuing offences; precise escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, compliance orders, permit suspensions, or court action are available enforcement tools under the City’s authority.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: report a concern to Bylaw Enforcement or contact the Building Division to request an inspection or records review. Report to Bylaw Enforcement[3]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the type of order or decision; some decisions may be reviewed through a City appeal process or by judicial review in provincial court—time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the City Legal or Building Division.
  • Defences/discretion: the City may consider permits, variances, remedial plans, or reasonable excuse in exercising discretion; confirm specific defences with the Building Division.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes the Building Permit Application and guides on the Building Permits & Inspections page; for formal records not released administratively, submit an Access to Information request using the City’s Access to Information procedures and forms. Specific form names and fees are listed on the Access to Information page and the Building Permits pages. Access forms and instructions[2]

Action steps

  • Locate the property and any permit number linked to the inspection you need.
  • Search online via the Building Permits & Inspections resources and any permit search tools provided by the City. Permit resources[1]
  • If you cannot find the record, call or email the Building Division to ask whether the inspection report can be released without a formal access request.
  • If the record requires a formal request, complete the Access to Information request form and submit per the City’s instructions. Check the Access to Information page for fees and submission details. How to submit[2]
  • Pay any required fees and await the City’s response; if needed, follow the City’s appeal or review pathways for withheld records.

FAQ

How do I request a building inspection report?
Search the City’s Building Permits & Inspections resources for the permit; if not available, contact the Building Division or submit an Access to Information request per the City’s Access to Information page.[1][2]
Are there fees to get inspection records?
Fees may apply for formal access requests; the Access to Information page lists applicable charges and payment methods. If a fee is not listed for a specific record, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]
How long does the City take to respond?
Response times for access requests and record releases vary; specific statutory timelines are not specified on the cited City pages and should be confirmed with the Access to Information office.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the property details and any related permit number.
  2. Search the City’s Building Permits & Inspections resources for an online copy of the inspection record.[1]
  3. If not found, contact the Building Division to request the record informally.
  4. If the record is withheld or not available, submit an Access to Information request using the City form and pay any required fee.[2]
  5. Receive the record or follow appeal directions if access is denied.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Building Division and online permit resources before filing a formal access request.
  • Contact the Building Division or Bylaw Enforcement for enforcement or compliance matters.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey - Building Permits & Inspections
  2. [2] City of Surrey - Access to Information & Protection of Privacy
  3. [3] City of Surrey - Bylaw Enforcement

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