Roofing permits · Surrey, BC
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Surrey?
Surrey's Residential Building Permits page says you don't need a permit for 'minor exterior repairs to your home' but never mentions roofing, and the Building Bylaw defines regulated construction to include repair. Call the Building Information Line (604-591-4366) before re-roofing.
Ready to go? Compare roofers in Surrey, with local prices, conditions and the roofing companies that work there.
What the rules say
Surrey's roofing permit rules
Residential Building Permits page: 'A residential building permit is usually required for building or renovating work, such as:' (building a house, finishing a basement, interior renovations). Under 'When you don't need a permit': 'Replacing flooring', 'Minor exterior repairs to your home', some fences and small sheds. 'If you have doubts on whether you require a permit for your work, call the Building Information Line at 604-591-4366.' Surrey Building Bylaw, 2012, No. 17850: Section 20 'A permit is required whenever construction regulated under this Bylaw is to be undertaken'; Section 2 defines construction to include 'erected, repaired, altered, renovated, added to, installed, demolished, removed or moved'; Section 7 defers to exemptions in the Building Code. Section 65(e) lists an inspection stage when 'framing, sheathing, exterior doors, windows and roof membrane are completed'.
Other local rules worth knowing
Construction without Permits page: 'Building permits are required for new construction and renovations under the City's Building Bylaw' and 'The property owner is responsible to ensure that building permits are obtained prior to construction starting.' Surrey actively enforces against unpermitted construction (multiple 2025-2026 news releases). No roofing-specific exemption is published.
Official source
City of SurreyRules and fees change. Always confirm with the municipality before work starts.
If a permit is needed
What a Surrey roofing permit usually involves
- An application describing the work, with the contractor's details
- Drawings or engineering where the roof structure changes
- A site plan if the roof's footprint or height changes
- Inspection of framing and sheathing before it's covered, then a final inspection
- A third-party roof inspection report, where the municipality recommends one
- Permit fees, which are usually a small part of the job
A general guide. Surrey may ask for more or less depending on the project.
Questions
Surrey roofing permit questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Surrey?
Surrey's Residential Building Permits page says you don't need a permit for 'minor exterior repairs to your home' but never mentions roofing, and the Building Bylaw defines regulated construction to include repair. Call the Building Information Line (604-591-4366) before re-roofing.
What roofing work does need a permit in Surrey?
Construction without Permits page: 'Building permits are required for new construction and renovations under the City's Building Bylaw' and 'The property owner is responsible to ensure that building permits are obtained prior to construction starting.' Surrey actively enforces against unpermitted construction (multiple 2025-2026 news releases). No roofing-specific exemption is published.
Who applies for a roofing permit in Surrey?
Usually your roofing company prepares the application and books inspections as part of the job. Check that the permit, any engineering and a third-party inspection, where recommended, are included in each quote.
Roofing permits nearby
Get quotes from roofers who know Surrey
Up to 3 vetted local roofing companies. Free, no obligation.