Burnaby Parking and EV Charging Bylaw Guide

Land Use and Zoning British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Burnaby, British Columbia regulates on-street parking, private parking stalls and the permitting of electrical work for electric vehicle (EV) charging installations through municipal bylaws and permit processes. This guide summarizes where to find the city rules, which departments enforce them, typical permit steps for residential and commercial EV chargers, and practical actions for reporting violations or appealing decisions. For primary municipal guidance see the City of Burnaby parking and electrical permit pages linked below.City of Burnaby 1 On-street parking[1] City of Burnaby 2 Electrical permits[2] City of Burnaby 3 By-law Enforcement[3]

Overview of Rules and Scope

The City administers on-street parking controls, residential permit parking programs where adopted, and the permitting requirements for electrical installations, including EV charging equipment. Zoning rules affect the number of required parking spaces for developments; electrical permits and inspections are required for most permanent EV charger installations. Where the municipal code delegates traffic controls or parking limits, signage and local bylaws set enforceable conditions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by Burnaby By-law Enforcement officers for parking contraventions and by Building and Permits staff and certified electrical inspectors for electrical permit and installation compliance. Specific monetary fine amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal pages and must be confirmed on the official bylaws or by contacting the listed departments.[3]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy work, stop-work orders, compliance notices, and referral to court may apply where bylaws or permit conditions are breached.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Building & Permits departments; complaints and inspection requests are handled through the City of Burnaby contact pages.[3]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits are set by the specific bylaw or permit decision notice; where not stated on the cited pages, the time limit is not specified on the cited page.
Appeals often have strict time limits; check the decision notice or contact the department immediately.

Applications & Forms

Electrical permits are required for most permanent EV charger installations and are processed through the City of Burnaby building and permits office. The permit page lists application steps and inspection requirements but does not publish standard fees on that page; fees may be available via the permit portal or fee bylaws.[2]

  • Permit name: Electrical Permit for EV charger installation (see electrical permits page). Fee: not specified on the cited page.
  • Purpose: to authorize electrical work and inspections for safe installation of EV charging equipment.
  • Submission: online or in-person via Building & Permits; follow documentation checklist on the electrical permits page.[2]
Permits generally require a licensed electrical contractor and inspection sign-off.

Common Violations

  • Parking in restricted on-street spaces or permit-only zones without authorization.
  • Installing EV chargers without obtaining required electrical permits or inspections.
  • Blocking fire lanes, accessible stalls, or public access with charging equipment or vehicles.

Action Steps

  • Report parking violations to By-law Enforcement via the official contact page.[3]
  • Apply for an electrical permit before installing a permanent EV charger; submit required plans and contractor information on the electrical permits page.[2]
  • If issued a notice or order, follow the appeal instructions on the decision letter and contact the issuing department promptly.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to install an EV charger at home?
Yes, most permanent EV charger installations require an electrical permit and inspections; consult the City of Burnaby electrical permits page for specifics.[2]
Can I reserve on-street parking for EV charging?
Reserved on-street parking programs are managed by the City; availability and rules vary by location and are set by bylaw or administrative policy and local signage.[1]
Who enforces parking and permit rules?
By-law Enforcement enforces parking rules and Building & Permits enforces electrical permit compliance; contact details are on the City website.[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm your property zoning and parking requirements with Planning and Development, and check whether your location allows the proposed charger.
  2. Hire a licensed electrical contractor and prepare documentation (charger spec, site plan, load calculations).
  3. Submit an electrical permit application via the City of Burnaby Building & Permits portal and pay any fees listed on approval.
  4. Arrange inspections as required and obtain final sign-off before regular use.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent EV chargers generally require electrical permits and inspections in Burnaby.
  • Parking contraventions and unpermitted installations can lead to compliance orders; monetary fines are not specified on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby 1 On-street parking
  2. [2] City of Burnaby 2 Electrical permits
  3. [3] City of Burnaby 3 By-law Enforcement

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