Surrey is the fastest-growing city in Metro Vancouver and one of the most diverse communities in Canada. From the estate homes of South Surrey and Morgan Creek to the family neighbourhoods of Fleetwood and Newton, Surrey homeowners build outdoor spaces that handle everything from a Saturday dinner for six to a weekend gathering for fifty. With over 600,000 residents and climbing, the demand for quality hardscaping has never been higher.
The terrain across Surrey varies significantly. Newton and Fleetwood sit on relatively flat ground, while Panorama Ridge and Sullivan Heights have rolling hills that demand engineered retaining walls. South Surrey is gently undulating with clay-heavy soil that requires proper base preparation and drainage design. No impervious surface limit exists in Surrey's zoning bylaw — lot coverage is governed by building footprint percentages, not total paving — which gives homeowners more flexibility for driveways, patios, and walkways.
Surrey's climate is slightly drier than Vancouver proper, but still wet enough that every project needs drainage-first design. More frost days than the coast mean freeze-thaw base preparation is essential, especially for exposed aggregate and stamped concrete. We build every project around Surrey's specific soil conditions and seasonal weather patterns.
Neighbourhoods We Serve
Local Regulations You Should Know
Retaining Wall Permits — 1.2m Threshold + $2,500 Damage Deposit
Walls under 1.2m on flat ground generally do not require a permit. Walls 1.2m or over, or any wall on a sloping hillside critical to foundation stability, require a building permit plus a Registered Professional. Surrey also requires a $2,500 damage deposit for retaining wall projects.
Source: BC Building Code Part 9; Building Bylaw 17850 Fee Schedule
Tree Protection — 30cm+ DBH
Trees with a trunk diameter of 30cm or more are protected. Certain species (Arbutus, Garry Oak, Coast Redwood, and others) are protected at smaller sizes. Permit fees are $104 base plus $40 per tree. Penalties can reach $20,000 per offence, and each tree counts as a separate offence.
Source: Tree Protection Bylaw 16100, Part 7 §25, Part 8 §36
Permit Fees in Surrey
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Building Permit (up to $19,999 value) | $50 flat |
| Building Permit ($20,000–$99,999 value) | $150 flat |
| Retaining Wall Damage Deposit | $2,500 |
| Tree Cutting Permit (base + per tree) | $104 + $40/tree |
Fees are approximate and may change. Contact 604-591-4370 for current rates.
What We Build in Surrey
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