Street Encroachment Permits - Surrey Bylaws Guide
Surrey, British Columbia property owners and contractors must follow city bylaws when placing structures, signs, landscaping, or temporary work in the public road allowance. This guide explains what a street encroachment permit is, who issues it in Surrey, how to apply, typical documentation, enforcement, appeals, and practical compliance steps to reduce delays and costs.
What is a street encroachment permit?
A street encroachment permit authorizes an owner or contractor to occupy or place works within a City road right-of-way or adjacent boulevard where the City otherwise restricts use. Permits protect public safety, utilities, and traffic flow and may be required for fences, patios, signs, stairs, retaining walls, tree protection zones, hoardings, scaffolding, or temporary storage of construction materials.
How to apply
Applications are administered through the City of Surrey engineering or permits office. Typical steps include: preparing a site plan, showing dimensions and setbacks; providing proof of ownership or authorization; submitting design drawings, a traffic control plan (if applicable), and insurance or securities as required.
- Prepare an application form and site plans showing the encroachment extent.
- Provide proof of property ownership or written authorization from the owner.
- Be ready to pay permit processing fees and provide a security or bond if required.
- Submit insurance certificates and traffic control plans for works affecting vehicular or pedestrian routes.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City enforces encroachments through its bylaws and enforcement teams. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties for unauthorized encroachments are not specified on the cited page[1]. Where detailed fines or schedules are not published on the City encroachment permit pages, the City typically pursues removal orders, levies cost recovery, and may issue tickets or court proceedings under the controlling bylaw.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page[1].
- Escalation: the City may issue warnings, orders to remove, followed by tickets or further enforcement for continuing offences; specific escalation steps not specified on the cited page[1].
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, restoration requirements, withholding of security, and possible court actions.
- Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement and Engineering Permits are the primary contacts; use the City’s official contact pages to report unauthorised encroachments.[1]
- Appeals: appeal or review routes depend on the specific order or ticket; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the issuing office.[1]
Applications & Forms
The City publishes application forms and submission instructions for encroachments through its engineering or permits pages. If a specific named form or fee schedule is required, it will be listed on the City’s permits page; if not listed there, the exact form number or fee is not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Form name/number: not specified on the cited page; check the City engineering permits page for the current application.
- Fees: not specified on the cited page; fees or securities may be set by fee bylaw or permit schedule.
- Submission: usually online or in person to the Engineering Permits office; confirm submission method on the official page.
Practical compliance steps
Follow these action steps to reduce delays:
- Contact the City engineering permits office before work to confirm requirements and timelines.
- Prepare clear site plans and any required traffic control documentation.
- Budget for possible securities, restoration costs, and permit fees.
- Ensure contractors hold proper insurance and follow safety and traffic control standards.
FAQ
- Do I always need a permit to place something on the boulevard?
- Not always; some minor plantings or permitted furniture may be allowed, but many structures and any works that affect utilities or traffic require a permit. Confirm with City engineering before proceeding.
- How long does a permit take?
- Processing times vary by complexity and workload; specific timelines are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the Engineering Permits office.
- Can the City require me to remove an existing encroachment?
- Yes. The City may require removal or remediation and may recover costs; check the enforcement and bylaw pages for procedures.
How-To
- Contact Surrey Engineering Permits to confirm whether your proposed encroachment requires a permit and which forms apply.
- Prepare a site plan showing dimensions, setbacks, and affected utilities or sidewalks.
- Gather documentation: proof of ownership or authorization, design drawings, insurance, and traffic control plans if needed.
- Submit the application and pay any required fees or provide security as directed by the City.
- Await review; respond promptly to requests for additional information or modifications.
- If approved, obtain the permit, comply with conditions, post any required notices, and complete any final inspections.
Key Takeaways
- Always check with Surrey Engineering before placing works in the road allowance.
- Applications require drawings, authorization, insurance, and possibly securities.
- Unauthorized encroachments may lead to removal orders, cost recovery, and tickets.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Surrey - Bylaws, licences and permits
- City of Surrey - Engineering permits
- City of Surrey - Planning & development