Report Unsafe Buildings - Surrey Bylaw

Housing and Building Standards British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Surrey, British Columbia, the city enforces standards for building safety through its bylaws and building inspection processes. If you suspect a building is unsafe—structural risks, fire hazards, severe disrepair, or dangerous access—reporting promptly helps protect residents and visitors. This guide explains how enforcement works in Surrey, who to contact, typical outcomes, and the procedural steps to report, appeal, or comply with orders.

Report hazards quickly if people are at risk.

Penalties & Enforcement

The legal basis for action on unsafe buildings is set out in the City of Surrey consolidated bylaws and in applicable building permit and inspection authorities. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page; see the official bylaws and enforcement pages for the controlling instruments and current details.Bylaw text and bylaws index[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for unsafe-building offences; consult the consolidated bylaws or enforcement page for exact amounts and schedules.Report a problem / Bylaw Enforcement[3]
  • Escalation: the city may issue orders, tickets, or prosecution; details on first, repeat, or continuing offence penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: demolition or repair orders, vacating premises, securing the site, seizure of materials, or court injunctions can be used by the enforcing authority.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Bylaw Enforcement handles complaints and initial inspections; Building Inspections or the Building Division may issue unsafe-building orders after inspection.Building permits and inspections[2]
Orders to vacate or repair are enforceable and time-limited.

Applications & Forms

Forms for reporting or responding to an unsafe-building order are handled by Bylaw Enforcement or Building Services. A publicly posted, standardized "unsafe building" form is not specified on the cited pages; contact the departments listed below for the current forms or application process.Bylaw complaint and request page[3]

  • Typical submission methods: online complaint portal, email, or in-person at City hall; check the department page for the current route.
  • Fees: none clearly listed for reporting; costs for inspections, orders, or remediation may be charged to property owners as allowed by bylaw.

What to Expect After You Report

After a report is made, Bylaw Enforcement or Building Inspections will assess the complaint, which may include a site visit, photographic documentation, and an initial compliance request or order. If the building poses immediate danger, inspectors can order evacuation or secure the site. Timing for inspections and follow-up actions vary by priority and workload; specific timelines are not specified on the cited pages.

Inspections may result in repair orders or demolition directions.

FAQ

Who enforces unsafe building rules in Surrey?
Bylaw Enforcement and the City of Surrey Building Division enforce unsafe-building standards; complaints start with Bylaw Enforcement who coordinate inspections.[3]
How do I report an unsafe building?
Use the City of Surrey report-a-problem/complaint portal, phone Bylaw Enforcement, or contact Building Inspections for urgent structural concerns.[2]
Can I appeal an order?
Appeal and review pathways depend on the issuing bylaw or building order; the cited pages do not specify exact time limits for appeals—contact the issuing department to learn timelines and procedures.[1]

How-To

  1. Gather details: address, description of hazard, photos, and any immediate risk to people.
  2. Submit a report via the City of Surrey online complaint portal or the Bylaw Enforcement contact page.[3]
  3. Allow inspectors to access the site for assessment; provide your contact information for follow-up.
  4. If the city issues an order, follow the remediation requirements or apply for variances/permits if available.
  5. If you disagree with an order, request review or appeal through the department that issued the order within the time limit they provide; the cited pages do not list specific appeal time limits.
Keep clear records and photos to support any appeal or remediation discussion.

Key Takeaways

  • Report suspected unsafe buildings promptly to Bylaw Enforcement or Building Inspections.
  • Inspections may lead to repair, vacate, or demolition orders enforceable by the city.
  • Specific fines, fees, and appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited pages; contact the issuing department for exact figures and timelines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Surrey — Consolidated bylaws and bylaw index
  2. [2] City of Surrey — Building permits and inspections
  3. [3] City of Surrey — Report a problem / Bylaw Enforcement

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