Burnaby ADU Permit Guide - City Bylaws

In Burnaby, British Columbia, adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) requires both zoning confirmation and a building permit. This guide explains how the City of Burnaby reviews ADU proposals, which departments to contact, typical documents to prepare and the compliance steps from application to occupancy. Use the official Burnaby planning and building resources to verify specific rules for your property and to find the correct application forms.

Overview

An ADU may be a secondary suite, coach house, laneway house or other accessory unit allowed by the zoning bylaw and subject to the BC Building Code. You must confirm your lot zoning, permitted unit types, and any site-specific regulations before applying for a building permit. Start with the City of Burnaby planning page for accessory units Accessory dwelling units - Burnaby^[1] and consult the building permit requirements listed by the Building Department Building permits - Burnaby^[2].

Before You Apply

• Confirm zoning and permitted ADU types for your address via the zoning bylaw resources City bylaws - Burnaby^[3].
• Prepare site plans, floor plans and elevations drawn to scale by a qualified designer or architect.
• Estimate fees and development cost charges; confirm fee schedule with the Building Department.
• Check servicing, parking and setback requirements under the zoning bylaw for accessory units.

Applications & Forms

The Building Department requires a completed building permit application and supporting drawings. Common documents include a completed building permit application form, site plan, architectural drawings, structural calculations (if applicable), and energy compliance documentation. Specific form names and fee amounts are listed on the Building Permits page; if a numbered form or fee is required but not shown, it is not specified on the cited page Building permits - Burnaby^[2].

Application Process - Step Highlights

• Pre-application: consult Planning for zoning confirmation and the Building Department for code requirements.
• Submit building permit application with complete drawings and required forms to the Building Department.
• Review: the city reviews zoning, building code compliance and permits; additional information or revisions may be requested.
• Inspections: schedule and pass inspections during construction; final inspection required before occupancy.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unpermitted ADUs is managed by the City of Burnaby’s Building and Bylaw Enforcement teams. Exact fine amounts for unpermitted construction or occupancy are not specified on the cited pages; where numeric penalties are not shown, this guide notes "not specified on the cited page" and directs you to the official enforcement contacts below.

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: information on first, repeat or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop work orders and orders to remove or remediate unlawful work may be issued by the City.
• Enforcer: Building Department and Bylaw Enforcement; complaints and inspections are handled through City channels listed in Help and Support.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are set out in relevant bylaws and provincial building code processes; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Common Violations

• Occupancy without final occupancy permit or final inspection: may lead to orders to vacate or remedial works.
• Structural changes without a permit.
• Non-compliant plumbing, electrical or fire-separation not meeting the BC Building Code.

FAQ

Can I build an ADU on any Burnaby RS-zoned lot?

No; permitted ADU types and eligibility depend on zoning, lot frontage and site-specific rules—confirm with Planning before applying.

Do I need a separate address or utilities for an ADU?

Utility and addressing requirements vary; consult the Building Department and utility providers during planning.

How long does a building permit review for an ADU usually take?

Review times vary with application completeness and scope; check the Building Department processing times and submit complete plans to avoid delays.

How-To

1. Confirm zoning and permitted ADU types for your property with Burnaby Planning.
2. Prepare complete architectural and site plans; engage a designer or architect if needed.
3. Submit a building permit application with all required documents to the Building Department.
4. Respond promptly to review comments and provide revisions as requested.
5. Schedule required inspections during construction and obtain final occupancy approval before renting or occupying the ADU.

Key Takeaways

• Start with zoning confirmation to avoid ineligible applications.
• Submit complete plans and forms to reduce review delays.
• Contact Burnaby Building and Planning early for guidance and pre-application advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Planning & Development - City of Burnaby
• Building Permits - City of Burnaby
• Bylaw Enforcement - City of Burnaby
• BC Building Code and Standards

1. [1] City of Burnaby - Accessory dwelling units
2. [2] City of Burnaby - Building permits
3. [3] City of Burnaby - Bylaws