Issues include unpermitted dwelling units in barn, unpermitted home with multiple unitsSurrey, B.C., says it is getting tough on illegal construction in the city.
City council voted Monday to file a notice on title to two properties where owners have illegally constructed and occupied the buildings without permits, violating the city’s building bylaw.
The city said in a news release that its actions will “encourage accountability, enforce compliance and put the safety of residents first.” ”We are taking a zero-tolerance approach as we continue to tackle illegal construction in Surrey,” said Mayor Brenda Locke in the release. Staff said filing the notices will alert the public and prospective purchasers about the unpermitted work that could contravene bylaws or regulations related to building safety. City staff said a property at 16055 60 Ave. had a permit for a barn, but construction on it included five dwelling units and multiple other rooms, according to a report to council. Staff said in the report that “there is no realistic path for the owners to obtain a building permit to retain the unpermitted construction.” “The construction has progressed to a point where many essential elements are now obscured, preventing the inspections staff considers necessary to confirm safety and compliance with the Building Bylaw and British Columbia Building Code.” The structure is now occupied, despite not having an occupancy permit,
according to the staff report. A property at 16835 26 Ave. had no building permit, but its owner still constructed a two-storey detached structure in the backyard, according to another staff report.
Sources: cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey
