Request Business Licence Records - Surrey Bylaws

Business and Consumer Protection British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Surrey, British Columbia maintains business licence information through the Citys licensing services and public search tools and also accepts formal access requests under access-to-information processes. This guide explains how to find publicly available licence records, when a formal request is required, what information to include, where to submit requests, and which City departments enforce licence rules.

Start by checking the Citys business licence pages and public licence search to see if the record you need is already published. City of Surrey business licence information[1] lists licence categories and basic application instructions. If a licence record is not available online, you can file an access request for records held by the City; see the Citys access-to-information guidance for forms and submission details. Access to information and FOI requests[2]

Use the public search first to avoid fees and delays.

Where to look first

  • City business licence main page and FAQs for application requirements.
  • Public licence search for active licences and basic licence details; this may include owner name, business name, and licence class. Business licence search[1]
  • Contact Business Licensing or Bylaw Enforcement for clarification before submitting a formal request.

When to file an access request

File a formal access-to-information request when the record you need is not published or when you require copies of application forms, inspection notes, or enforcement files that the City does not release proactively. The Citys access guidance explains required fields and acceptable delivery methods for requests. Access to information and FOI requests[2]

Requests for copies may incur processing or reproduction fees.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Surrey enforces business licence requirements through Business Licensing and By-law Enforcement. Specific monetary fines and penalty schedules for unlicensed business activity or licence violations are governed by the applicable licence bylaw and enforcement policies; the Citys public pages do not list fine amounts on the general business-licence overview, so specific fines are not specified on the cited pages.

  • Enforcer: Business Licensing unit and By-law Enforcement (complaint intake and inspections).
  • Fines: not specified on the cited City pages; consult the specific licence bylaw or enforcement notices for amounts.
  • Escalation: first and repeat offence procedures and continuing offence penalties are not specified on the general guidance pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, suspension or cancellation of licences, seizure or court actions may be used by enforcement officers; specific terms are set in the controlling bylaw or order documents.
  • How to report: contact By-law Enforcement via the Citys enforcement contact page or Business Licensing for licence-specific complaints.
If you expect enforcement action, preserve correspondence and record dates.

Applications & Forms

  • Public licence search: online tool for many active licences; no paper form required to view published records.
  • Freedom of information request: use the Citys access-to-information process to request unpublished records; the name and exact fee schedule for the form are provided on the Citys access page. Access to information and FOI requests[2]
  • Fees: reproduction or processing fees may apply; the access page lists fee-related guidance but specific amounts are not specified on the general business-licence overview.

How to request records

Follow these practical steps: check the public search, prepare an access request with clear descriptions and date ranges, include contact details, and submit to the Citys access office or Business Licensing depending on the record holder. If you need enforcement records, indicate that in the request and provide any file or licence numbers you have.

Be as specific as possible about dates, locations and licence numbers in your request.

FAQ

Can I view business licence details online for Surrey?
Yes, many active licences are available through the Citys public business licence search; if a record is not published you must file an access request. City of Surrey business licence information[1]
How do I file an access-to-information request?
Submit a formal request via the Citys access-to-information page; follow the instructions and include contact details and a clear records description. Access to information and FOI requests[2]
Who enforces business licence compliance?
Business Licensing and By-law Enforcement handle compliance, inspections and complaints; contact the City for the appropriate intake route.

How-To

  1. Search the Citys public business licence database for the licence record you need.
  2. If the record is not public, prepare an access request describing the records, date ranges and any licence or file numbers.
  3. Submit the request to the Citys access-to-information office following the online instructions and preferred delivery method.
  4. Pay any published processing or reproduction fees as instructed by the City; fee details are on the access page.
  5. If the request is refused or redacted, follow the Citys appeal instructions or consult the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC for further review.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the public search before filing a request to avoid fees and delay.
  • Use clear dates and identifiers in access requests to speed processing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey business licence information and search
  2. [2] City of Surrey access to information and FOI requests
  3. [3] Business licence search

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