Surrey Staff Recommend A Risk-Based Sliding Scale For Landscape Securities
Surrey staff are recommending a shift from the City’s long-standing 100% cost-based landscape security model to a risk-based sliding scale: 50% for projects under $1M, decreasing to 25% for projects over $5M, alongside a mandatory minimum security for tree replacement under the Tree Protection Bylaw.The change is about freeing up developer capital and credit capacity […]
Surrey Council Authorizes Neighbourhood Concept Plan Process For Grandview Heights Area #5
The last piece of Grandview Heights’ 20-year growth plan is officially in motion. Surrey Council just authorized the Neighbourhood Concept Plan process for Area #5, balancing new housing and retail with protection of watercourses, wetlands, and wildlife habitat identified in the site’s environmental assessment. Community engagement starts later this year. For more information, read the […]
Surrey Council Approves Reduced Development Variance Permit Fees
Surrey City Council has approved reductions to Development Variance Permit fees, cutting the general DVP fee from $2,039 to $1,500 and introducing a new, lower $750 fee for Minor DVPs. The changes better align costs with the streamlined, staff-delegated review process and support the development industry, especially small builders, and homeowners. For more information, read […]
Surrey Council Approves Amendments To The Semiahmoo Town Centre Plan
Surrey City Council has approved amendments to the Semiahmoo Town Centre Plan, updating land use designations to align with the updated Surrey 2050 Official Community Plan, and revising the road network to reflect the King George Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit terminus at 16 Avenue and 152 Street, paving the way for transit-oriented development in the […]
New Surrey ACCs Or Previous CACs: Which Is Better For Your In-Stream Project?
On June 15, 2026, the City of Surrey adopted their new Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) and bonus density bylaws. The new ACCs consolidate amenity charge rates city-wide, and introduce new measures for bonus density contributions. For all in-stream applications received prior to June 15, 2026, the City is allowing the developer to decide whether they […]
Applying Lessons From Active Job Sites To Projects In Permitting
Having multiple development projects under construction lets us apply what we are learning on active job sites to projects still in permitting and pre-construction. This keeps us up to date on construction costs, timelines, material and trade availability, and market conditions, helping us improve projects, value engineer, and reduce costs earlier in the process. Watch […]
Kanwar Mangat On The Common Misconceptions Of Real Estate Development In The Lower Mainland
Last week, Kanwar shared his perspective with Howard Chai on The Common Misconceptions of Real Estate Development in the Lower Mainland. Full Story: https://howardchai.substack.com/p/bc-real-estate-development-misconceptions-common-ground-consulting
Township Of Langley Adopts New Willoughby Community Plan, Willoughby Transit Corridor Plan And Gordon Neighbourhood Plan
The Township of Langley Council has adopted the new Willoughby Community Plan, Willoughby Transit Corridor Plan, and Gordon Neighbourhood Plan. The Willoughby Transit Corridor Plan (WTCP) includes the areas in the previous Carvolth, Latimer, Jericho, Routley, and Southwest Gordon Estate neighbourhood plans. The Gordon Neighbourhood Plan includes the areas covered by the previous Central Gordon & Northeast Gordon Plans. […]
Reviewing Change Orders To Protect The Owner’s Budget
Carefully reviewing change orders helps ensure that owners pay only for work, materials, and labour that are actually required. By thoroughly reviewing the scope, quantities, and pricing, we have helped clients avoid costly errors and deliver cost savings throughout construction.
Surrey Updates Private Amenity Space Rules For New Multi-Family Projects
Surrey has changed its private amenity space rules for new multi-family projects (effective June 15). What you need to know: 🏢 Apartments (under 50 units): The developer has full flexibility on the indoor/outdoor mix.🏢 Apartments (50+ units): at least 60 sq.m must be indoor. The rest is the developer’s choice (indoor or outdoor).🏘️ Townhouses (under […]