Get Original Building Plans from the City of Surrey
A step-by-step guide to requesting original house plans and construction drawings from the City of Surrey Building Division.
Date Published: April 13, 2026
If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in Surrey, BC, obtaining the original building drawings on file with the City of Surrey can save significant time and cost. The City of Surrey Building Division maintains construction records for properties, though availability depends on the age and type of building. This guide walks you through the exact process to access those records.
Official City of Surrey Resources
This guide is based on the official City of Surrey page below, then organized into a practical step-by-step process.
- Primary source: City of Surrey Property & Building Information Page
- Key form: Building Plan Request Form (PDF)
- Supporting forms: Owner Authorization Form (PDF) and Strata Council Minutes Sample (PDF)
Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Surrey - Step by Step
- 1Confirm Records Exist Before You Apply
- 2Provide Required Authorization
- 3Submit Your Records Request
- 4Request Survey Certificates Separately
Step 1 - Confirm Records Exist Before You Apply
Not all Surrey properties have drawings on file, especially older structures. Before filling out formal applications, review the Building Records Search process and contact the City using the correct email for your request type:
- Building plan requests: planrequest@surrey.ca
- Building file registry and survey certificate requests: buildingfileregistry@surrey.ca
- Phone: (604) 591-4366
Step 2 - Provide the Required Proof of Authorization
The City of Surrey requires proof that you are legally entitled to access building records. Requirements vary by applicant type:
- Homeowners: Proof of identity and ownership.
- Agents, Designers & Contractors: A completed City of Surrey Owner Authorization Form signed by both the agent and all registered owners.
- Strata Properties: If the property is part of a strata, you must submit appropriate Strata Council authorization, such as the Strata Council Minutes sample, as specified on the request form.
Step 3 - Submit Your Records Request
Once you have confirmed records exist and gathered your authorization, email your request to planrequest@surrey.ca. Be sure to include:
- The completed Building Plan Request Form.
- All applicable authorization documents, including the Owner Authorization Form where required.
Step 4 - Requesting Survey Certificates
If you specifically need a survey certificate, this is handled through a separate process. Submit a request via email to buildingfileregistry@surrey.ca. Currently, there is no charge associated with requesting a survey certificate from the City's files.
Surrey Building Records Request Summary
A quick checklist of the request flow, required forms, and official submission channels.
| Step | What to Do | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm Records and Routing | Review Surrey's Property and Building Information guidance and confirm which records channel applies to your request. | Property & Building Information |
| 2. Prepare Authorization | Gather owner authorization and strata documentation when required for third-party or strata requests. | Owner Authorization Form |
| 3. Submit Building Plan Request | Complete the Building Plan Request Form and submit with all required supporting documents. | Building Plan Request Form |
| 4. Request Survey Certificate Separately | For survey certificate requests, use the Building File Registry stream as a separate process. | buildingfileregistry@surrey.ca |
No Drawings on File? Request a Comfort Letter
When original blueprints are missing, use a Comfort Letter to verify legal status and permit history for the property. This helps ensure new as-built drawings align with what the City of Surrey has on record and reduces permit-review issues.
- Application: Email the Comfort Letter Request Form to comfortletters@surrey.ca.
- Cost and time: $291.00 for residential properties, with typical processing time of 3 to 4 weeks.
Once you receive the letter, Canadian Blueprint can accurately reconstruct your floor plans so your renovation or addition can move forward with confidence. See As-Built Measuring for more information.
Need Help Reading or Using the Drawings?
Once you have obtained your original building drawings from the City of Surrey, a professional designer can help you interpret them, identify any discrepancies with the current as-built condition, and prepare updated permit drawings for your renovation or addition.
Contact Canadian Blueprint - we work with Surrey homeowners and contractors regularly and understand the Surrey permit process inside and out.