Burnaby Floodplain Building Rules - Bylaw Guide
Burnaby, British Columbia faces regulated construction in flood-prone areas to protect people, property and infrastructure. This guide explains how the City addresses floodplain development through zoning, building permits and development permits, where to check flood maps, who enforces rules, and the typical steps property owners must take before building or renovating in a floodplain. Use the official City pages and regional flood-mapping resources to confirm status for a specific address and follow permit instructions closely to avoid orders or stop-work requirements.
How floodplain rules apply in Burnaby
Properties in identified floodplain areas are subject to additional siting, elevation and design requirements under Burnaby planning and building controls. For site-specific mapping and flood construction levels consult the City of Burnaby floodplain information and the consolidated bylaws listed below City bylaws[1] and the Building Permits guidance Building permits[2]. Regional flood modelling and guidance is available from Metro Vancouver for broader flood construction levels and mapping Metro Vancouver flood mapping[3].
- Check whether your parcel is inside a mapped floodplain or subject to a Development Permit area.
- Confirm required elevation or floodproofing standards with the Building Division before design.
- Obtain any required Development Permit or Building Permit before starting work.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of floodplain building restrictions is carried out by City departments with authority under municipal bylaws and building regulations. Where the City identifies unpermitted or non-compliant work in a floodplain, officials may issue orders to stop work, require remediation, or pursue ticketing or prosecution under the applicable bylaw or building regulation.
Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts, or daily penalty rates are not specified on the City pages cited above; consult the cited bylaws and enforcement pages for exact figures.
Typical enforcement actions
- Stop-work orders and written orders to correct non-compliant construction.
- Municipal ticketing or fines as authorized by the relevant municipal bylaw (amounts not specified on the cited pages).
- Prosecution in court for continuing offences or failure to comply with orders.
- Requirements to submit plans, elevations, or engineering certifications to demonstrate compliance.
Appeals and review
Procedures to appeal orders or decisions are set out in the applicable bylaws and permit documentation; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited City pages and must be confirmed on the controlling bylaw or permit policy page cited above.
Applications & Forms
The Building Permit application and Development Permit processes are the primary submission routes for floodplain work. The City publishes permit application forms and checklists on the Building Permits page; fee schedules and specific form numbers are available on the City pages cited above or in the consolidated bylaws and fee bylaws. If a particular form number or fee is not shown on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.
Common violations
- Starting construction without a Building Permit in a mapped floodplain.
- Failing to meet required elevation or floodproofing specified by the City.
- Not providing required professional certifications or as-built elevations.
- Ignoring stop-work or remediation orders from City officials.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to build in a floodplain in Burnaby?
- Yes. Building and often Development Permits are required for construction in identified floodplain areas; confirm requirements on the City Building Permits and bylaws pages. [2]
- How can I find out if my property is in a floodplain?
- Check the City of Burnaby floodplain information and mapping resources and consult Metro Vancouver regional flood maps for broader context.[1][3]
- What should I do after flood damage to a building?
- Contact the Building Division and follow post-flood repair permit guidance; document damage, obtain required inspections, and secure permits before rebuilding.
How-To
- Determine if your parcel is in a mapped floodplain using the City floodplain and zoning maps.
- Consult the Building Permits page and submit a Building Permit or Development Permit application with required plans and elevations.
- Obtain any required professional engineering reports or floodproofing specifications and attach them to your permit application.
- Receive permit approval, schedule required inspections, and comply with any permit conditions during construction.
Key Takeaways
- Always check official flood maps early in planning.
- Permits and certified plans are commonly required in floodplains.
- Contact City departments before starting work to avoid orders or fines.
Help and Support / Resources
- Bylaws and By-law Enforcement - City of Burnaby
- Building Permits - City of Burnaby
- Planning and Development - City of Burnaby
- Metro Vancouver - Floodplain mapping and guidance
