Burnaby Franchise Tax & Local Levies - Bylaw Guide

Taxation and Finance British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Businesses operating in Burnaby, British Columbia must understand how municipal bylaws, business licences and local levies can affect operating costs and compliance obligations. This guide summarizes where franchise-tax style levies or local charges are set out in Burnaby municipal materials, who enforces them, how penalties and appeals work, and the practical steps to apply for licences or report concerns. It cites official City of Burnaby resources so you can follow up directly with the responsible departments and forms.

Overview of Franchise Tax and Local Levies

Burnaby does not use a single labelled "franchise tax" in the way some jurisdictions do; instead, local charges affecting businesses appear in business licence bylaws, service charge bylaws and related regulatory bylaws. For current consolidated bylaws and schedules consult the City of Burnaby bylaws index on the municipal website: City of Burnaby bylaws[1]. These pages identify the controlling bylaw numbers and schedules where fees or levies are set out.

Check the consolidated bylaw schedule for fee tables before budgeting for a new location.

How Local Levies are Established

Local levies and licence fees are established by council through specific bylaws. Fees and rates are generally listed in the schedules or appendices to those bylaws or in separate fee bylaws. For business licences and related charges see the City of Burnaby business licences and permits pages: Business licence information[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of business licence conditions, fee payment and bylaw compliance is carried out by the City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement section or the department named in the controlling bylaw. Contact details and how to report a bylaw concern are provided on the city site: By-law Enforcement[3].

Fine amounts: specific monetary fines or daily rates where they apply are listed in the relevant bylaw schedule; if a fine amount is not visible on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page. See the controlling bylaw schedules for exact figures.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence provisions are set in each bylaw and are not standardized across bylaws; some bylaws create daily continuing offence fines while others set single penalties.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy, stop-work or suspension of licence, seizure or removal of non-compliant works, and prosecution in provincial court are possible depending on the bylaw.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: By-law Enforcement investigates complaints and issues orders; formal complaints and inspection requests are submitted through the city services bylaw enforcement page.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the bylaw; some bylaws permit administrative review or a court challenge. Specific time limits for appeal are set in the controlling bylaw or associated legislation and may be not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: many bylaws include defences such as "reasonable excuse" or allow council to grant variances or temporary permits where provided for in the bylaw.
If a penalty amount is critical for decision-making, confirm the exact schedule in the consolidated bylaw before acting.

Applications & Forms

Business licensing and many fee-based services require an application. The city publishes licence application details on its business licences page; where a named form or fee is not published on that page, it is not specified on the cited page.
Submit licence applications and related forms online or in person per the instructions on the City of Burnaby business licences page.[2]

  • Business licence application: name and number not specified on the cited page; follow the business licences portal for the correct form and fee.
  • Fees: see the controlling bylaw schedule; if a fee is not listed on the application page it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: online portal or municipal counter as instructed on the city page.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Operating without a required business licence — potential fines, licence suspension or order to cease operations.
  • Unpermitted construction or site work — stop-work orders, removal orders, and prosecution where applicable.
  • Parking or vehicle-related bylaw contraventions on city property — ticketing and towing where authorized.
  • Failure to pay levies or fees when due — late penalties, interest or collection action depending on the bylaw.
Document all communications with the city when you receive an order or notice.

FAQ

Do I need a separate licence for each business location in Burnaby?
Yes. Business licences are location specific; check the City of Burnaby business licence page for details on multi-location requirements and fees.
Where do I find the exact fee for a licence or levy?
The exact fee is listed in the controlling bylaw schedule or fee bylaw linked on the City of Burnaby bylaws pages. If not visible on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.
How do I appeal a bylaw ticket or order?
Appeal routes differ by bylaw; consult the enforcement or licence section indicated on the notice and the relevant bylaw for appeal time limits and procedure.

How-To

  1. Identify the applicable bylaw by searching the City of Burnaby bylaws index and locate the schedule with fees.
  2. Complete the required business licence application or permit form listed on the business licences page and gather supporting documents.
  3. Pay the applicable fee or levy through the city payment portal or as instructed on the application.
  4. If you receive an order, document compliance steps, respond by the deadline and, if needed, start the appeal process stated in the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the consolidated bylaw schedules for precise fee figures before finalizing budgets.
  • Contact By-law Enforcement promptly to clarify orders, inspections and complaint processes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Bylaws index and consolidated bylaws
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Business licence information and application instructions
  3. [3] City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement contact and complaint procedures

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