The City of Surrey is streamlining its development and permitting process specifically involving tenant improvements.
Surrey council approved a plan March 10.
Ron Gill, Surrey's general manager of planning and development, recommended in a corporate report that a program be established based on the complexity of work to be done – as some building permit applications are less complicated than others – that aims to review minor tenant improvements permits in two to three business days.
"Examples of projects that could be eligible for the Minor Tenant Improvement Program are small medical offices and coffee shops, warehouse racking permits, minor floor layout changes in professional offices, special event tents and stages, and restoration permits where no changes are being proposed," Gill explained in his report.
Council members are keen on the concept.
"We want to do what we can especially in these trying times and I think this shows that we're willing to do what needs to make sure that businesses are supported in our city," Coun. Pardeep Kooner said.
Coun. Linda Annis echoed that.
"It's so important right now, particularly with the economic times being so tough and many small businesses in Surrey need to be able to get their tenant improvements done in a very, very timely fashion because they're basically, until they're open, the rent is just costing them and costing them," Annis said.
Mayor Brenda Locke said this will "put us right at the head of the class when it comes to our ability to move projects through."
