Burnaby Rezoning Checklist for Applicants

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

Applying to rezone land in Burnaby, British Columbia requires careful preparation of plans, reports and public engagement materials. This checklist guides applicants through the city’s rezoning pathway, typical documentation, submission steps and who to contact at the Planning Department. It highlights inspection and enforcement avenues and how to prepare for council consideration and public hearings. Use the official rezoning page and application resources to confirm forms and fees before submission[1].

Overview of the Rezoning Process

The typical rezoning process in Burnaby begins with a pre-application meeting, then the formal application, circulation to departments, public notification and a council decision. Applicants should expect requirements for site plans, architectural drawings, a planning rationale, arborist reports, geotechnical and servicing studies where applicable. Consult the official rezoning guidance for required plan formats and submission checklists[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of zoning and land-use requirements in Burnaby is handled by city enforcement and planning/building staff. If works or uses proceed without an approved rezoning or required permits, the city may issue orders to stop work, demand removal, or require remediation.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease, remediation orders, stop-work notices and court proceedings may be pursued by the City (department: Planning and Building, and Bylaw Enforcement).
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: file complaints or request inspections via the Planning and Building contact page[3].
  • Appeals and review: specific time limits and appeal routes for rezoning decisions are not specified on the cited page; applicants should consult the City’s public hearing and bylaw adoption notices for procedural timelines[1].
City enforcement can require removal of unauthorized work and pursue fines or court action.

Applications & Forms

Required application documents and any associated fees are listed on the City’s development-fees and rezoning guidance pages. If a specific application form number is provided by the City, use that form and follow the submission instructions on the official site[2].

  • Common required documents: site plan, context plan, architectural drawings, planning rationale, servicing and civil drawings.
  • Technical studies: arborist report, geotechnical, traffic impact and environmental assessments where needed.
  • Fees: check the City’s development fees page for current charges; if not listed, the fee is not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Deadlines: submission deadlines for complete applications are determined at intake; pre-application meetings clarify timing.
Always confirm the exact application form and current fee schedule on the City’s official pages before submitting.

Action Steps for Applicants

  • Book a pre-application meeting with Burnaby Planning to review scope and likely requirements.
  • Prepare and assemble plans and technical reports per the rezoning checklist.
  • Confirm and pay applicable application and processing fees via the City’s fees page[2].
  • Submit the complete application package and monitor circulation comments from City departments.
  • Attend the public hearing and prepare materials for Council consideration if required.
Early engagement with neighbours and City staff reduces delays at public hearing.

FAQ

What is the first step to apply for rezoning in Burnaby?
Schedule a pre-application meeting with the City’s Planning Department and review the rezoning guidance on the official site[1].
Where do I find the rezoning application form and fee schedule?
Application forms and the fee schedule are available on the City’s development-fees and rezoning pages; check those pages for the current requirements[2].
Who enforces zoning rules in Burnaby?
Enforcement is carried out by Planning and Building staff and Bylaw Enforcement; complaints and inspection requests are routed through the City’s contact channels[3].

How-To

  1. Arrange a pre-application meeting with Planning to confirm scope and checklist items.
  2. Prepare required drawings and technical reports as specified in the rezoning guidance.
  3. Complete and submit the rezoning application form with fees and supporting documents.
  4. Respond to departmental comments, resolve outstanding conditions and prepare for public hearing.
  5. If Council approves, follow post-approval requirements for bylaw adoption and any required permits.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with a pre-application meeting to avoid common omissions.
  • Assemble complete technical reports to prevent processing delays.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Rezoning
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Development fees
  3. [3] City of Burnaby - Contact Planning & Building

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