Burnaby Flea Market Vendor Licences & Fees

Events and Special Uses British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, ordinary residents and small businesses who sell goods at flea markets must follow municipal licensing and event rules. This guide explains when a vendor licence or special-event permit may be required, how fees are charged, where to apply, and who enforces compliance in Burnaby.

Overview

Flea market vending can be regulated under the City of Burnaby's business licensing rules and municipal bylaws for special events or temporary uses. Vendors should confirm licence or permit requirements before operating at markets, private sales on rented property, or community events. For general business licence information and contacts, see the City of Burnaby business licences page[1].

When a Licence or Permit Is Required

  • Vending as a regular commercial activity on a permanent or semi-permanent basis often requires a business licence.
  • Short-term sales at a community event may require a special-event permit or temporary-use approval from parks or planning depending on the site.
  • Food vendors must also meet provincial public-health requirements and may need separate food-safety permits.
Confirm licence and permit needs with the City before attending your first market.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is managed by the City of Burnaby's Licensing and By-law Enforcement sections. Specific monetary fines, escalation for repeat offences, and continuing penalties are not specified on the cited City business-licence overview page[1]. Where the city bylaw or licensing schedule states fixed fines or daily continuing penalties, those amounts will appear in the consolidated bylaw text or penalty schedule; if not present on the general overview, the exact figures must be checked in the controlling bylaw.

  • Typical non-monetary measures include orders to cease vending, seizure of goods for illegal sales, and court prosecution for persistent non-compliance.
  • Appeals or reviews are commonly handled through the municipal review or provincial court process; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed in the bylaw or notice of decision[1].
  • Defences or discretionary relief (for example, temporary variances or reasonable-excuse considerations) are governed by bylaw provisions or the licensing officer's discretion and are not detailed on the cited City licence overview[1].

Common Violations

  • Operating without a required business licence or special-event permit.
  • Failure to pay licence fees or to renew a licence when due.
  • Non-compliance with market conditions, public-health rules, or site restrictions.

Applications & Forms

The City of Burnaby publishes business licence application information and contacts on its business licences page; specific licence application forms, fee schedules, and submission instructions are provided there or via the licensing office[1]. If a special-event permit is required, parks or special-events application forms are used; details and online forms, when available, are published on the relevant City department pages.

Some events require both a City licence and provincial health approvals for food service.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your activity is commercial or a temporary event and identify the required licence or permit.
  2. Obtain and complete the City business licence application or special-event permit form per theCity's instructions.
  3. Pay applicable fees when submitting the application; fee schedules are published with the application materials.
  4. If selling food or consumables, contact Fraser Health for temporary food-event requirements and inspections.
  5. Keep proof of licence or permit on-site during market hours and comply with any conditions set by the City or event organiser.
Keep documentation and receipts for licence fees and approvals for at least one year.

FAQ

Do I need a business licence to sell at a flea market in Burnaby?
It depends on whether the vending is a regular commercial activity or a short-term event; check the City business licences and special-event requirements and apply if required.[1]
How much do licences or permits cost?
Fee amounts and schedules vary by licence type and are published with the application materials; exact fees are not specified on the City business-licences overview page and should be checked on the relevant application or fee schedule.[1]
Who inspects food vendors at markets?
Fraser Health performs public-health inspections for temporary food events; vendors should contact Fraser Health for requirements and inspections.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm licence needs with the City before participating in a market.
  • Fees and exact penalties are contained in licence schedules or bylaws; if absent from the overview, consult the controlling bylaw.[1]
  • Contact licensing or bylaw enforcement for questions or to report suspected unlicensed vending.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Business Licences

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