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Surrey home-based business rules

Can I run a business from my home?

Surrey, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

Short answer

Usually yes. The City of Surrey allows most businesses to run from home if they follow the zoning rules and hold a City business licence. Social escort services, automotive service uses and tow truck operations are not allowed at home. Rules differ for houses and duplexes versus apartments and townhouses.

Key facts

AllowedYes. The City allows most businesses to be run from home if the zoning rules are followed. Type I home occupations are allowed in any zone permitting a single family dwelling or duplex; Type II (telephone and records only) in any zone permitting a dwelling unit.Home-Based Business Regulations; Surrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000, Part 4 Section B.11, Part 4, s. B.11 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
The City of Surrey allows most businesses to be operated from home, provided that the zoning regulations for home-based businesses are followed.
Type I Home Occupations are permitted in any Zone permitting either a single
Type II Home Occupations are permitted in any Zone permitting a dwelling unit
Business licenceYes. A Surrey business licence is required; fees are set by business category in Schedule A of the Business License Bylaw (for example Consultant $269 per year plus $37 per employee). An online application costs $50, credited to the first year's fee. An officer may inspect.Types of Businesses, Home-based business; Surrey Business License By-law, 1999, No. 13680, Schedule "A"; s. 14.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
If you are starting a new home-based business in Surrey, follow these steps to receive your business licence:
an inspection by a Bylaw Services Officer may take place to ensure your business is in compliance with the Home-Based Business Regulations.
Consultant $269.00 per year (plus $37.00 per employee)
An application made online must be accompanied by payment of an application fee of $50.00.
LimitsSingle family or duplex: only immediate family living there may be employed; no goods displayed or sold; no change to the dwelling; at most 25% of one floor; no visible storage or illuminated signs. Apartments and townhouses: telephone and records only, no goods, no signs, no vehicle or equipment storage on or near the lot.Surrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000, Part 4 Section B.11, Part 4, s. B.11(a) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
No person other than a member of the immediate family occupying the
No goods are displayed or sold on the premises;
The aggregate floor area of all home occupations shall not exceed 25% of
No evidence of the home occupation including storage of materials or
The use of the premises for a home occupation shall be confined to the incidental use of a telephone and records pertaining directly to that business;
No goods are to be displayed, stored or sold on the premises;
No signs are displayed on the premises;
Businesses not allowedSocial escort services, automotive service uses and tow truck operations.Home-Based Business Regulations; Surrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000, Part 4 Section B.11, Part 1, definition of Home Occupation · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Businesses that are not permitted from home are:
social escort agencies
but shall exclude social escort services, automotive service uses and tow truck operations.
BylawSurrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000 (Part 4, s. B.11 Home Occupations); Business License By-law, 1999, No. 13680Surrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000, Part 4 Section B.11, Part 4, s. B.11; Surrey Business License By-law, 1999, No. 13680, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Surrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000
Home Occupations:
This By-law may be cited for all purposes as "Business License By-law, 1999, No. 13680."

How it works

The City of Surrey allows most businesses to be run from home if Zoning Bylaw 12000 (Part 4, s. B.11) is followed. Type I home occupations are allowed in any zone permitting a single family dwelling or duplex; Type II (telephone and records only) in any zone permitting a dwelling unit. You also need a Surrey business licence under Business License Bylaw 13680, and an officer may inspect.

Steps

  1. Read the City's home-based business regulations and confirm your business is allowed.
  2. Call Business Licensing (604-591-4370) to confirm your fee category and any extra requirements.
  3. Apply through the Online Business Licensing Application Portal.

Good to know

  • Single family homes and duplexes: only immediate family living there may be employed; no goods displayed or sold; no change to the dwelling; at most 25% of one floor; no visible storage or illuminated signs.
  • Apartments, townhouses and condos: use is limited to a telephone and records; no goods, no signs, and no vehicle or equipment storage on or near the lot. Renters need the landlord's permission.
  • Not allowed at home, per the City page: social escort services, automotive service uses and tow truck operations.
  • Selling or displaying goods, or storing things outside, is a municipal ticket offence at $200 each.
  • The bylaw does not state limits on customer visits or parking. Ask Business Licensing if this matters for your business.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Langley City · White Rock · New Westminster · Port Coquitlam · Township of Langley · Coquitlam

Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Surrey Zoning By-law, 1993, No. 12000, Part 4 Section B.11 (read 2026-11-05)
  2. Surrey Business License By-law, 1999, No. 13680 (read 2026-11-05)
  3. Home-Based Business Regulations, City of Surrey (read 2026-11-05)
  4. Types of Businesses, City of Surrey (read 2026-11-05)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.