City of Surrey's 2023 Annual Financial Report

CITY OF SURREY OVERVIEWS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The primary functions of the Planning & Development Department are to prepare land use plans, bylaws and policies for consideration by City Council; and undertake application reviews and approval processes consistent with Council approved plans, bylaws and policies in support of planned, orderly and sustainable development of the City. The department’s mandate is accomplished through activities of the following five divisions:

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION Business Transformation provides general administrative support services, records management, information technology enablement and support. AREA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT, NORTH & SOUTH Area Planning & Development implements Council-adopted bylaws, approved secondary plans, and policies in relation to the use and development of land. This work involves receiving and reviewing land development applications, making appropriate recommendations for land development projects, and preparing reports to Council. BUILDING Building administers Council adopted bylaws and policies related to building construction. This work involves servicing residential and commercial building plan reviews, performing building, plumbing and electrical field review services, and the administration of the Tree Protection Bylaw and sign bylaws.

CIVIC FACILITIES Civic Facilities Design and Construction provides leadership and support for all aspects of concept development, planning, design, and construction of new buildings. Operations and Maintenance handles the renovations, repairs and maintenance of existing buildings including preventative maintenance, energy management and upgrades to mechanical systems and programs. COMMUNITY PLANNING Community Planning develops land use plans and policies in support of the planned and orderly development of the city. The division administers the Official Community Plan (OCP), General Land Use Plans, Neighbourhood Concept Plans (NCP), Local Area Plans, Zoning By-law amendments, and monitors the City’s growth management and community engagement strategies. This division is also responsible for agricultural planning, heritage planning and demographic tracking and growth forecasting.

2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Secured affordable and supportive housing and shelter facilities through the Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation Rapid Housing Project, Pacific Community Resources Society Youth Housing, and ongoing work with BC Housing • Continued to advance SkyTrain related Neighbourhood Concept Plans (NCP), including the Fleetwood and Clayton plans and completed new NCPs for King George - Newton, Guildford Town Centre • Completed a General Land Use Plan for Scott Road to support anticipated R6 RapidBus services and establish a framework for future NCP work • Completed replacement of Strawberry Hill Hall • Held a Plumbing Contractors Forum to discuss new processes and online tools, and to provide tips for success during plumbing field reviews

• Initiated the Official Community Plan update, defining the engagement approach, and undertaking background studies for climate change, housing needs integration, and assessment of all agricultural land • Enabled online inspection requests for Building Permits and Plumbing Permits, improving information available online for contractors • Enabled online payment for most Single Family Building Permits, Multi-Family Building Permits, Tenant Improvements and Commercial Building Permits • Continued work on the City Centre Plan update, including the introduction of an office strategy to support a Central Business District in City Centre • Continued work on the South Campbell Heights Plan to increase mixed employment and industrial land supply in Surrey

• Improved the Guaranteed Timeline Initiative for Single-Family Building Permits, Tenant Improvement Permits, and rezoning applications, and added a Single-Family Additions/Renovations to the list of permits • Continued to support the accelerated delivery of the future Cloverdale hospital and BC Cancer Centre complaints, inquiries, and follow-up by establishing new processes to align activities and responses between divisions • Determined need for policy guidance, guidelines, and standards for high albedo and green roofs • Prioritized Surrey School District Building Permit applications to meet the increased student enrolment demands within the City • Continued to resolve non-permitted construction, streamlining citizen

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