Report Illegal or Dangerous Signs - Surrey Bylaws
Surrey, British Columbia residents often encounter signs that are illegal, unsafe, or in breach of city bylaws. This guide explains how to identify a potential bylaw issue, collect evidence, and report the matter to the City of Surrey so enforcement staff can investigate and, if appropriate, order removal or remediation. It also outlines likely enforcement pathways, common violations, and practical steps for appeals and follow-up.
Photograph the sign with a visible landmark and note the date and time before reporting.
When to report a sign
- Signs that are physically dangerous (loose, obstructing sightlines, or at risk of collapse).
- Signs placed without a required permit or that exceed permitted size or location.
- Signs that obstruct sidewalks, roadways, crosswalks, or traffic control devices.
- Signs causing hazards for vulnerable users, such as blocking wheelchair ramps or sightlines at intersections.
How to prepare your report
- Take clear photos from multiple angles and include a wider shot showing nearby landmarks.
- Record the exact location (address or nearest intersection), date, and time of observation.
- Note any visible permit or business name on or near the sign.
- Gather contact information if the sign owner is present or identifiable.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Surrey enforces sign-related bylaws through its By-law Enforcement department and related planning and development divisions. Reported signs are assessed for safety and bylaw compliance; enforcement officers may issue orders or tickets based on their findings. For departmental contact and general bylaw information see the City of Surrey bylaws page[1].
Fines and monetary penalties
- Specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
- Continuing or repeat offences and per-day fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation and non-monetary sanctions
- Enforcement actions commonly include orders to remove or remediate non-compliant signs; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
- The city may undertake abatement where an owner fails to comply and charge recovery to the property owner: not specified on the cited page.
- Court or prosecution routes for unresolved offences are available under municipal enforcement processes; exact procedures and timelines are not specified on the cited page.
If a sign presents an immediate safety risk, call emergency services first and report the location to bylaw staff afterwards.
Enforcer, inspection and complaint pathways
- The primary enforcing office is City of Surrey By-law Enforcement and the city planning/permits divisions; contact details are on the city bylaws page[1].
- Complaints can typically be submitted online or by phone following the City of Surrey reporting procedure.
Appeals, review and time limits
- Appeal and review routes (including timelines) depend on the specific bylaw and enforcement notice; these are not specified on the cited page.
- Time limits to appeal tickets or orders are set out in the issuing notice or the applicable bylaw/Provincial Offences processes and are not specified on the cited page.
Common violations
- Signs placed without a permit or in prohibited zones.
- Illegal temporary sandwich-board signs obstructing sidewalks or sightlines.
- Damaged or unsecured signs posing a collapse hazard.
Applications & Forms
Sign permits and related application forms are managed by the City of Surrey planning and permits section; specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission details are available on the city website and permit pages and are not specified on the cited page.
Action steps: how to report
- Document: photograph the sign, record location, date, time, and any visible permit details.
- Contact the City of Surrey By-law Enforcement to file a complaint by phone or the city reporting portal; provide your evidence and location.
- If possible, check whether the sign has an approved permit through the city permits search or planning office.
- Follow up: note the complaint reference number and request expected timelines for investigation and enforcement action.
- If issued an order or ticket, read the notice for appeal instructions and deadlines and submit any appeal within the stated time limit.
Keep copies of all communications and photos until the case is closed.
FAQ
- Who enforces sign bylaws in Surrey?
- The City of Surrey By-law Enforcement division, together with planning and permits staff, enforces sign bylaws and investigates complaints.
- How do I report an unsafe or illegal sign?
- Document the sign, then submit a complaint to City of Surrey By-law Enforcement via the city reporting portal or phone; include photos and the exact location.
- Will the city remove a sign immediately if it is dangerous?
- If a sign poses an immediate hazard, emergency services should be called; the city prioritizes hazardous conditions but specific removal timelines are not specified on the cited page.
How-To
- Identify and document the sign with photos and location details.
- Check for visible permits or business identification on the sign.
- File a complaint with City of Surrey By-law Enforcement supplying all evidence and the precise location.
- Track the complaint reference, respond to any requests for information, and request status updates.
- Follow the enforcement notice for appeal instructions if you disagree with an order or ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Document signs thoroughly: photos, location, date, and any permit info.
- Report to City of Surrey By-law Enforcement and keep the complaint reference number.
- Appeals and timelines depend on the issuing notice; check the notice for exact deadlines.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Surrey - Bylaws and By-law Enforcement
- City of Surrey - Report a problem
- City of Surrey - Planning and Development