Asbestos Remediation Rules - Burnaby Bylaw

Housing and Building Standards British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia · By Daniel Roy

Burnaby, British Columbia requires that asbestos hazards be identified and managed during renovation, demolition and maintenance work. Property owners, contractors and employers must follow municipal permit rules, provincial workplace safety standards and approved disposal routes. This guide summarizes what Burnaby residents and businesses need to know about surveys, permits, licensed abatement, notifications and where to get help. It highlights the roles of the City of Burnaby building and bylaw teams and provincial regulators, practical action steps to comply, and how to report unsafe or unpermitted asbestos work.

Hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor rather than attempting uncontrolled removal.

Overview of Legal Framework

Asbestos removal in Burnaby is governed by overlapping authorities: municipal bylaws and building permit requirements, and provincial occupational health and safety regulations covering safe removal and worker protection. Municipal approvals typically require hazardous-materials assessment before demolition or major renovation. Provincial rules set worker-certification, engineering controls and clearance testing.

For provincial occupational requirements and safe-work rules consult WorkSafeBC.WorkSafeBC asbestos guidance[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement may involve the City of Burnaby building inspections, bylaw enforcement officers and provincial inspectors. Specific monetary fines, daily penalties or administrative penalties for municipal bylaw breaches are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult the City of Burnaby for exact amounts. Provincial enforcement for workplace safety is handled by WorkSafeBC and any penalties or orders they issue are described on their site.WorkSafeBC asbestos guidance[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, remediation orders, seizure of unsafe materials and court action may be used; exact remedies depend on the enforcing body.
  • Enforcers: City of Burnaby Building Division and By-law Enforcement for permits and municipal compliance; WorkSafeBC for workplace asbestos safety.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits are set by the issuing authority and are not specified on the cited pages.
If you discover suspected asbestos, stop work and get a licensed survey immediately.

Applications & Forms

  • Demolition or building permit application: hazardous-materials survey typically required; exact form name and fee not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Asbestos abatement or clearance report: required after removal; specific submission instructions and fees are not specified on the cited municipal pages.

Practical Compliance Steps

  • Arrange a licensed asbestos survey before demolition, renovation or major maintenance.
  • If asbestos is present, retain a licensed abatement contractor and obtain written removal and clearance documentation.
  • Apply for required municipal permits and attach hazardous-materials reports when requested.
  • Follow WorkSafeBC controls for worker protection during removal.WorkSafeBC asbestos guidance[1]
  • Ensure legal disposal at an approved facility and keep manifests and clearance certificates.
Clearance air testing is the usual final step before reoccupation after abatement.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove asbestos from my Burnaby home?
Yes if removal occurs during demolition or major renovation that requires a building or demolition permit; the City often requires a hazardous-materials survey and written abatement plan.
Can a homeowner remove asbestos themselves?
Homeowners should not perform uncontrolled asbestos removal; provincial workplace rules require trained controls and licensed contractors for many types of work.
Who do I contact to report unsafe asbestos removal?
Report municipal permit or bylaw concerns to City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement and workplace safety concerns to WorkSafeBC.

How-To

  1. Stop work and secure the area if you suspect asbestos materials.
  2. Contact a licensed asbestos surveyor to inspect and sample suspect materials.
  3. If asbestos confirmed, hire a licensed abatement contractor and obtain a written removal plan.
  4. Apply for any required municipal permits and notify inspectors as required.
  5. After removal, obtain clearance testing reports and legal disposal manifests, and keep records.

Key Takeaways

  • Always survey for asbestos before demolition or major renovation.
  • WorkSafeBC sets worker-safety rules; the City enforces permits and municipal compliance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] WorkSafeBC - Asbestos guidance
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Building permits and applications
  3. [3] City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.