As mentioned in previous updates, on May 12th, Council gave third reading and final adoption to the proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Bylaw to permit suites in townhouse zones within transit-oriented areas and frequent bus stop areas.

Additional information can be found in the  full report by City staff. 

May 12, 2025

At their meeting on April 28th, Council gave first and second reading to the proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Bylaw to permit suites in townhouse zones within transit-oriented areas and frequent bus stop areas. 

Proposed Updates to Permit Lock-off Suites in Townhouses  

Surrey’s Zoning Bylaw has three different zones intended for ground-oriented multi-unit residential buildings (“townhouses”). These are: RM-15, RM-23, and RM-30 Zones. In addition, the RM-10 Zone is also listed as a multi-unit housing zone but permits single family and duplex forms. It is recommended that lock-off suites be added as a permitted use in each of these zones. Specifically, the proposed change would permit one lock-off suite per townhouse unit. To support the implementation of lock-off suites in the above-noted townhouse zones, additional regulations are also proposed pertaining to location, size of suite, new construction, and layout for safety concerns. 

Parking – proposed amendment  

To address parking issues and to be consistent with Provincial direction, it is recommended that the lock-off suites be permitted only within TOAs and FBSAs. This could be extended to additional areas in the future, as transit service expands. 

Minimum and Maximum Unit Size Requirement – proposed amendment  

It is recommended that lock-off suites in Surrey be a minimum of 30 sq. m (323 sq. ft), similar to the minimum size of the city’s micro units and occupy less than 40% of the habitable floor area of the larger principal dwelling unit, similar to the city’s requirements for secondary suites. 

Direct Exit – proposed amendment  

It is recommended that the existing definition for “lock-off suite” be amended to specify that, in a multiple unit residential building, a lock-off suite must have direct external access to common property, except a vestibule is permitted in a non-ground-oriented multiple unit residential building. 

New Construction vs. Retrofits – proposed amendment  

It is recommended that lock-off suites be permitted only in new townhouse construction that have building permits issued after the approval of these proposed amendments.  

DCCs and CACs/ACCs – proposed amendment  

To be consistent with the current process of collection of DCCs or CACs/ACCs for multiple unit residential zones, these fees would continue to be charged based on floor area, which would include the area of lock-off suites. 

The public hearing for the proposed amendments is scheduled for May 12th, at 7:00 PM.

Additional information can be found in the  full report by City staff. 

September 12, 2024

At their meeting on July 22nd, Council approved the following three motions brought forward by Councilor Pardeep Kooner: 

• That staff be directed to explore an alternative permit-issuing process to expedite building permits for minor interior renovations in eligible commercial buildings.
• That staff be directed to review single-family residential zones to accommodate three-level homes with suites, potentially with flat roofs and improved permeability on the lot, and provide a report to Council with recommendations.
• That staff be directed to review all townhouse zones to investigate the potential for incorporating suites in close proximity to public transportation, including considerations for parking, and provide a report to Council with recommendations. 

Under Council’s direction, staff are exploring various options to reduce red tape and increase housing supply and will present the three requested reports to Council at a future date. 

Additional information can be found in the  motions brought forward by Councilor Kooner.