.png){kind=small}
City of Surrey Updates Environmental Bylaws for Steep Slopes
- ENKON Environmental
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
What Developers, Planners, and Builders Need to Know in 2025
If you're developing land in the City of Surrey, recent updates to the municipality’s environmental bylaws for steep slopes could significantly impact how your project is reviewed and approved.
In 2025, updates to the Surrey Steep Slope Bylaw introduced stricter regulations around development near steep slopes to protect:
Public safety
Slope stability
Riparian and wildlife habitat
Downstream water quality
At ENKON Environmental Ltd., we help developers and property owners understand and comply with these changes before they result in delays or redesigns.
Understanding the 2025 Surrey Steep Slope Bylaw: Key Impacts for Developers
The updated bylaw affects any site with:
Slopes exceeding 20–30%
Land adjacent to ravines, escarpments, or natural drainage channels
Areas near designated watercourses or riparian zones
Key changes include:
Increased geotechnical and environmental reporting requirements
Expanded buffer zones from the top and toe of slopes
Mandatory Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) assessments for affected areas
Greater integration of habitat protection into development permit review
Do These Changes Affect Your Site?
You may now require:
A habitat assessment or RAPR report for areas near steep slopes and watercourses
A Development Permit Area (DPA) submission for environmental protection
An updated Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan to manage slope runoff
A geotechnical report that integrates environmental constraints
If you're working in areas like South Surrey, Fraser Heights, or East Newton, these rules may apply immediately.
How ENKON Can Help
Our QEPs assist with:
Desktop screenings to determine bylaw triggers
Field assessments of slope conditions and adjacent habitat
Preparation of habitat and slope protection reports for permit submission
Coordination with City of Surrey planning staff to smooth the approval process
We’ve supported both large and small developments across Surrey and are up to date on the latest policy shifts.
Don’t Let Bylaw Changes Delay Your Project
If you’re planning work on or near a steep slope, early environmental review is now more important than ever.
Contact ENKON Environmental Ltd. for bylaw screening, QEP reports, and permitting support.
📧 enkon@enkonenv.com | 📞 604-574-4477 | 📍 Serving British Columbia and Western Canada
