Do I need a permit to build a seawall or bulkhead?

Possibly; permits are commonly required for bulkheads, seawalls, docks, or other shoreline structures and provincial or federal approvals may also be required depending on habitat and water impacts.

Who enforces erosion control and shoreline bylaws in Burnaby?

Enforcement is typically handled by the City of Burnaby's By-law Enforcement and Planning/Building departments; provincial and federal agencies may enforce their own rules where applicable.

What should I do if I discover unauthorized shoreline work?

Report the activity to the City of Burnaby's bylaw complaint or planning office and provide photos and location details.

Burnaby Erosion Control and Waterfront Bylaws

Parks and Public Spaces British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

· By Daniel Roy

Burnaby, British Columbia faces shoreline and erosion issues that affect parks, private waterfront properties, and public infrastructure. This guide explains the municipal roles, typical permit pathways, enforcement basics, and practical steps property owners and contractors should follow when planning work near the water or altering slopes. It summarizes what to expect from Burnaby departments, common violations, and how to get help so you can plan compliant shoreline or erosion-control projects.

Overview of Authority and Scope

The City of Burnaby regulates construction, landscaping, and work near waterways through its planning, building, and bylaw enforcement functions, and coordinates with provincial and federal authorities where riparian habitat or fisheries are affected. Provincial regulations, such as riparian protections, and federal fisheries rules may also apply to waterfront work.

Contact municipal staff before starting shoreline work to confirm required permits.

When You Need a Permit

Development permits for works in environmentally sensitive areas or Development Permit Areas where waterfront protection applies.
Building permits for structures, retaining walls, bulkheads, docks, or substantial slope alterations.
Provincial or federal authorizations when riparian or fish habitat may be impacted.

Site Assessment and Best Practices

Before work begins, obtain a site assessment from a qualified professional if slope stability or habitat values are present. Use erosion and sediment control measures during construction, retain native vegetation where possible, and avoid in-water work during sensitive seasons defined by provincial or federal authorities.

Preserve natural vegetation buffers to reduce erosion and protect habitat.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is generally handled by the City of Burnaby's By-law Enforcement and the Planning/Building departments; provincial or federal agencies may also take enforcement action where their statutes apply. Specific monetary fines and schedules for shoreline or erosion-control offences are not specified on the municipal pages cited in the resources below.

Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Planning/Building departments handle inspections and compliance matters; complaints can be submitted to the City"s bylaw complaint channels.
Inspection: City inspectors may attend sites after a complaint or as part of permit compliance checks.
Fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, restoration orders, removal orders, or prosecution in court where statutes permit.
Appeal/review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; check the City"s official permits and appeals procedures for deadlines and processes.
Defences/discretion: reasonable excuse, emergency remediation, or issued permits/variances may be considered by inspectors or decision-makers, subject to municipal discretion.

Common Violations

Work without a required development or building permit.
Unauthorized shoreline armouring, bulkhead, or dock construction.
Failure to implement erosion and sediment controls during construction.
Alteration of riparian vegetation or habitat without approvals.

If you see active erosion or unauthorized shoreline work, report it promptly to municipal authorities.

Applications & Forms

Typical application pathways include development permit applications, building permit applications, and any provincial or federal authorization forms where riparian habitat or fisheries are affected. Specific form names, fees, and submission instructions are not specified on the municipal pages cited in the resources below; contact the City of Burnaby planning or building counter for current forms and fees.

How-To

Confirm property status and applicable Development Permit Areas by contacting Burnaby Planning and Building.
Order a site assessment from a qualified professional to identify erosion risks and habitat concerns.
Prepare permit applications: development permit, building permit, and any provincial/federal authorizations as required.
Install erosion and sediment controls before work begins and follow inspection requirements during construction.
Complete restoration and as-built reporting; retain records of permits and inspections for future property transactions.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to build a seawall or bulkhead?: Possibly; permits are commonly required for bulkheads, seawalls, docks, or other shoreline structures and provincial or federal approvals may also be required depending on habitat and water impacts.
Who enforces erosion control and shoreline bylaws in Burnaby?: Enforcement is typically handled by the City of Burnaby"s By-law Enforcement and Planning/Building departments; provincial and federal agencies may enforce their own rules where applicable.
What should I do if I discover unauthorized shoreline work?: Report the activity to the City of Burnaby"s bylaw complaint or planning office and provide photos and location details.

Key Takeaways

Always check with Burnaby Planning/Building before starting shoreline or slope work.
Use qualified professionals for assessments and erosion controls.