Burnaby Rezoning Public Hearing Guide

In Burnaby, British Columbia, rezoning applications require a coordinated process with the Planning Department, public notification and a Council public hearing before final adoption. This guide explains the steps applicants should expect at the public hearing stage, how decisions are made, who enforces bylaws, and practical actions to prepare and follow up. It is intended for applicants, property owners and their consultants who need clear steps, typical timelines and where to find official forms and contacts.

Before the Public Hearing

Applicants must submit a complete rezoning application package to the City of Burnaby Planning Department and follow the application intake and review process. The City posts notices to affected neighbours and publishes public hearing notices. Applicants should be prepared to present project materials, respond to written submissions, and attend the hearing in person or by authorized representative. For official application requirements and packaging details see the City of Burnaby rezoning information page ^[1].

At the Public Hearing

Public hearings are scheduled by Council and allow members of the public to speak for up to a specified time set by Council procedure. The hearing is the statutorily required forum for hearing submissions before Council gives final reading to a rezoning bylaw. The City’s public hearing and council meeting procedures explain speaking rules and how to submit written comments ^[2].

• Arrive early and register to speak as required by the clerk.
• Bring paper or electronic copies of plans and a one-page summary of key points.
• Provide a contact for follow-up and ensure your consultant or owner can answer technical questions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Rezoning decisions are implemented through bylaws and the Zoning Bylaw. Enforcement of zoning and bylaw compliance in Burnaby is conducted by the City’s Bylaw Enforcement and Planning departments. Specific monetary fines and penalty amounts for zoning breaches are established in individual bylaws or the City’s enforcement bylaws; where a specific penalty amount or escalation is not shown on the cited page this guide states that it is "not specified on the cited page". For enforcement contacts and complaint procedures see the City of Burnaby bylaw enforcement page ^[3].

Typical enforcement elements

• Monetary fines for bylaw contraventions - amounts not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation for repeat or continuing offences - ranges not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary orders: stop-work orders, compliance orders, and court actions can be issued.
• Enforcement responsibility: Bylaw Enforcement for contraventions; Planning for approvals and compliance with development permits.
• Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the instrument and may involve Council reconsideration or judicial review; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a rezoning application form and checklist that applicants must submit with supporting documents; fees for application intake and processing are listed on the City’s official rezoning pages where available. If a particular form, fee or deadline is not shown on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page" and applicants should contact Planning directly ^[1].

After the Public Hearing

Council may give first, second and third readings or may defer, amend or refuse a rezoning bylaw after the public hearing. If Council gives third reading and the bylaw is adopted, applicants proceed to permit applications and any required development agreements. If Council refuses the rezoning, applicants may revise and reapply or seek other remedies described in City procedures.

Action Steps for Applicants

• Submit a complete rezoning application with drawings, reports and the application form.
• Monitor notification timelines and public hearing dates once the application is accepted.
• Prepare a concise written submission and presentation for the hearing.
• Attend the hearing; follow up promptly on any Council conditions or requirements.

FAQ

Do I have to attend the public hearing?

You do not always have to attend, but attendance or an authorized representative is strongly recommended to answer questions; written submissions are also accepted per City procedures.

Can Council change my application at the hearing?

Council may propose amendments, defer decision or refuse the application; applicants should be prepared to discuss and, if needed, revise plans after the hearing.

How do I submit materials or comments?

Follow the submission instructions in the public hearing notice and the Planning Department’s guidelines; written comments may be submitted before or at the hearing per the published rules.

How-To

1. Prepare and submit the complete rezoning application package to the City of Burnaby Planning Department.
2. Respond to requests for additional information from City staff during the review period.
3. Monitor public notification and register to speak or submit written comments for the public hearing.
4. Attend the public hearing, present your case, and answer Council questions.
5. If approved, follow post-adoption steps for permitting and development agreements; if refused, consider revising and resubmitting.

Key Takeaways

• Early engagement with City staff improves outcomes.
• Public hearing is the formal forum for public input on rezoning.
• Contact Bylaw Enforcement or Planning promptly if you receive notices.

Help and Support / Resources

• Rezoning applications and forms - City of Burnaby
• Council public hearings and meeting procedures - City of Burnaby
• Bylaw Enforcement - City of Burnaby
• Planning Department contacts - City of Burnaby

1. [1] City of Burnaby rezoning applications page
2. [2] City of Burnaby public hearings and council procedures
3. [3] City of Burnaby bylaw enforcement contact page