The City of Surrey is leading the way in municipal initiatives aimed at improving processing efficiency and offering development incentives. UDI is supportive of these initiatives, which are designed to encourage development amid the financial challenges currently faced by development industry. 

At their meeting on March 10th, the City of Surrey approved the following: 

2025 Development Cost Charge Bylaw 

Council gave three readings to the 2025 Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw, which includes the introduction of a Fire Services DCC and a rollback of residential DCCs to 2023 rates. This represents a "freeze" in residential DCCs to allow the City to apply for Canadian Housing Infrastructure Funding (CHIF). 

Tenant Improvement and Building Permit Improvements 

Council endorsed the implementation of a modernized tenant improvement building permit process, including the Minor Tenant Improvement Program, at their meeting on March 10th. 

Launch of the Digital Development Applications Portal 

Council received a report titled "Launch of the Digital Development Applications Portal" for information. This report informs Council of the March 11, 2025, launch of the Development Application Portal, an online tool that will allow applicants to submit, track, and manage their development applications. 

Acceptance of Surety Bonds as Security for Development Cost Charge Instalments 

Council approved a Pilot Program endorsing the use of surety bonds from approved surety companies as an alternative form of security to Letters of Credit for Development Cost Charges paid by instalments.