Report Potholes & Sidewalk Damage - Surrey Bylaws

Transportation British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Surrey, British Columbia residents should report potholes and damaged sidewalks to the City of Surrey so repairs can be assessed and scheduled quickly. This guide explains the City’s online reporting process, the departments responsible for road and sidewalk maintenance, enforcement and typical outcomes. Use the official online Report a Problem portal to submit location details, photos and urgency, and retain the confirmation number for follow-up. If a defect creates an immediate hazard, follow the emergency reporting advice below and contact the City promptly.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Surrey assigns responsibility for road and sidewalk repairs primarily to Engineering and Operations (Roads) and enforces related public-right-of-way standards through Bylaw Enforcement. Specific monetary fines or prescribed penalties for failing to maintain sidewalks or causing road damage are not specified on the cited pages. [2]

  • Enforcer: City of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement and Engineering Operations; complaints and service requests are triaged through the municipal online portal and operational crews.
  • Inspection & complaint pathway: submit an online report or call City services for urgent hazards; include photos and exact location.
  • Appeal/review routes: not specified on the cited page; for formal disputes contact Bylaw Enforcement as listed on the City site.
  • Fine amounts and escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the City may issue repair or abatement orders, require remediation, or refer matters to court; specific procedures are not detailed on the cited pages.
For precise bylaw section numbers or fee schedules, request the relevant bylaw citation from Bylaw Enforcement.

Applications & Forms

No separate paper application is required to report potholes or sidewalk damage; use the City of Surrey "Report a Problem" online portal to create a service request and attach photos and location details. [1]

  • Form: online service request form via the City portal; use the category for roads, sidewalks or public works.
  • What to include: exact address or intersection, description, photos, and whether the hazard is active (e.g., causing tripping or vehicle damage).
If the condition presents immediate danger to people or vehicles, call City services instead of submitting only an online form.

How to Report Online

Follow these practical steps to ensure the City receives the information needed to prioritize repairs.

  1. Open the City of Surrey Report a Problem portal and choose the category for roads, potholes or sidewalks; include the exact location and description. [1]
  2. Attach clear photos showing scale and damage, and indicate whether the hazard affects pedestrians or vehicles.
  3. Submit the report and note the service request number; use that number when calling for status updates or appeals.
  4. For urgent safety hazards, call City services or 311 (if available) in addition to submitting an online report.
  5. If the defect is on a private driveway or private property, contact the property owner; City responsibility covers public rights-of-way.
Attach photos and a clear location pin to speed assessment and repair scheduling.

Common Violations

  • Unpatched potholes causing vehicle damage.
  • Cracked or uplifted sidewalk slabs creating trip hazards.
  • Blocked or obstructed sidewalks from construction materials or vegetation.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole online?
Use the City of Surrey Report a Problem portal to submit location, description and photos; keep the service request number for follow-up.
Who fixes potholes and damaged sidewalks?
Roads and sidewalks on public property are managed by City of Surrey Engineering and Operations; bylaw staff handle enforcement matters when applicable.
How long does a repair take?
Repair timing depends on severity and operational schedules; the City does not specify standard repair timelines on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Locate the exact position of the damage and take clear photos.
  2. Open the City of Surrey Report a Problem portal and complete the online form with details and photos. [1]
  3. Save the confirmation number and call City services for urgent hazards.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the City portal to report location, photos and severity.
  • Call City services for immediate dangers in addition to online reporting.
  • Keep the service request number to track progress.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey - Report a Problem
  2. [2] City of Surrey - Bylaws & Bylaw Enforcement
  3. [3] City of Surrey - Roads and Sidewalks

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