Bench Placement & Streetscape Requests - Burnaby Bylaws

Burnaby, British Columbia residents and businesses must work with the City to request bench placement or streetscape works on public lands. Typical pathways are the Parks memorial-bench program for park benches, and an encroachment or boulevard permit for furniture or works in the road allowance or sidewalks. Applications and official requirements are published by the City of Burnaby; key pages are linked below for forms and permit instructions^[1][2][3].

Who decides and which departments handle requests

Responsibility is shared across departments depending on location and scope:

• Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services for benches inside parks and memorial bench programs.
• Engineering (Streets/Transportation) for streetscape works, boulevard use and coordination with utilities.
• By-law Enforcement for compliance issues on public lands and encroachments where no permit exists.

How to request bench placement or streetscape works

Follow these general steps to start an application or inquiry. The City maintains an encroachment/boulevard permit process and a Parks memorial bench program for park sites; forms and submission instructions appear on the City site^[1][2].

1. Identify the exact location and ownership of the land (park vs. boulevard/right-of-way).
2. Consult the Parks memorial-bench program or the City encroachment permit page to download the application and instructions^[2][1].
3. Provide a site plan, supplier/product details, and any required insurance or indemnity information as part of the application.
4. Submit the completed application and pay fees if applicable; the application will be reviewed by the appropriate City department.
5. Address review comments and secure any required permits or approvals before installation.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes application forms for encroachments and park memorials on its site. Specific form names and fees are shown on the City pages; where a fee or form name is not displayed on the cited page, it is noted as not specified on the cited page^[1][2].

• Encroachment/Boulevard permit application: name and fee not specified on the cited page.
• Parks memorial-bench application: application available online; fee and memorial plaque rules not specified on the cited page.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement and, for engineering-related works, the Engineering Department. Where works or furniture are placed without an approved permit the City may require removal and may issue orders or fines under municipal bylaws^[3].

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the consolidated bylaws or contact By-law Enforcement for current penalties^[3].
• Escalation: the City may issue initial compliance orders, fines for continued non-compliance, and charges for removal; specific escalation steps and amounts are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, or court action under the municipal bylaws.
• Enforcer and complaint pathway: By-law Enforcement and Engineering review complaints and inspections; use the City contact pages listed in Resources.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; enquire with the department noted on any enforcement notice for appeal steps and deadlines.
• Defences and discretion: the City may consider permits, variances, or written approvals; exact defences such as "reasonable excuse" are not specified on the cited page.

Common violations

• Installing furniture on the boulevard without a permit.
• Placing a memorial bench in a park without following the memorial-bench program rules.
• Altering streetscape or sidewalk areas without Engineering approval.

FAQ

Who approves a bench in a Burnaby park?

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department approves benches in City parks; consult the memorial-bench program page for the application process and eligibility^[2].

Can I place a bench on the boulevard in front of my house?

Placement on the boulevard generally requires an encroachment or boulevard permit; placing furniture without a permit may lead to removal or enforcement action^[1][3].

Where do I find fees and timelines?

Fees and processing timelines are published on the City application pages where available; if a fee or timeline is not listed, it is not specified on the cited page and you should contact the relevant department for details^[1][2].

How-To

1. Determine whether the site is parkland or boulevard and note the civic address and map location.
2. Download the relevant application: memorial-bench program or encroachment permit from the City site^[2][1].
3. Prepare supporting documents: site plan, photos, product specifications, and proof of liability insurance if requested.
4. Submit the application by the method shown on the City page and pay any applicable fees.
5. Respond to City review comments and obtain written approval before installing or placing any item.

Key Takeaways

• Benches in parks use the Parks memorial-bench process; boulevard furniture requires an encroachment permit.
• Do not install before written City approval to avoid removal or fines.
• Contact the relevant City department early to confirm requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement
• City of Burnaby - Parks, Recreation and Culture
• City of Burnaby - Permits and Building Services
• City of Burnaby - Engineering and Development Services

1. [1] City of Burnaby - Encroachment and boulevard permit information
2. [2] City of Burnaby - Parks memorial-bench program
3. [3] City of Burnaby - Consolidated bylaws and enforcement provisions