SURREY — The City of Surrey reports that voluntary bylaw compliance is at 95 per cent, up from 90 per cent in this year’s first quarter.
The infractions that have been resolved include property maintenance, secondary suites and noise complaints.
The city says secondary suite registrations rose significantly: As of the end of June, there are 25,406 secondary suites and 1,060 coach houses registered in the city.
Since enacting a $1,000 penalty for illegal suites, the city has given out 31 tickets at the maximum fine.
The city has also implemented a new staffing model that will see bylaw officers working seven days a week, increasing staffing levels on weekends. The coverage will allow for up to 14 bylaw officers on Saturdays and Sundays.
“With bylaw officers at full staffing levels throughout the week, residents can now come to expect and rely on the same level of service that is regularly found on weekdays,†said the city’s bylaw manager Jas Rehal.
Surrey bylaw officers deal with a number of issues and complaints including construction without permits, land clearing and tree protection, unlicensed street vendors, dumping of refuse, secondary suite inspections, nuisance complaints, unsightly premises and more.
On average since 2010, 13,000 complaints per year are filed with Surrey’s bylaw department.
“In response to the needs of our residents we are providing seven days a week coverage of our bylaw officers. This will allow residents of Surrey even greater access to our bylaw officers,†said Mayor Dianne Watts. “In addition, the enhanced service will allow for a more effective and prompt response to community enforcement needs.â€