Burnaby Sewer Service Permit - Apply Online

Utilities and Infrastructure British Columbia 2 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Start your sewer service permit application for Burnaby, British Columbia, with the Engineering and Building divisions to connect, alter or cap sanitary or storm sewer services. This guide explains who needs a permit, typical requirements, inspection and approval steps, and how enforcement and appeals work for work affecting the public sewer system. Use the official City application and submit required drawings and fees to the Building/Engineering intake; specific fee amounts and form numbers are not specified on the cited city pages.[1]

Apply early because review and inspection scheduling can add weeks to a project timeline.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unlawful sewer connections, illegal discharges, or unpermitted work is administered by City departments including Bylaw Enforcement and Engineering. Exact fine amounts and daily continuing offence rates are not specified on the cited page, and applicants should consult the City for current penalty schedules.

  • Fines and penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Bylaw Enforcement and Engineering staff; inspections and orders can be issued.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences may be treated differently; details not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work orders, restoration orders or court action.
  • Inspection and complaints: report to City Bylaw Enforcement for investigation and inspection.
Failing to obtain a permit can result in stop-work orders and mandatory remedial work.

Applications & Forms

The City issues a Sewer Service Permit or equivalent intake form for new connections, service alterations, disconnections and private lateral repairs. The official application name, form number and fee schedule are not specified on the cited page; contact the City for the current form, applicable fees and submission instructions.

How-To

  1. Prepare site plans, plumbing diagrams and specifications required by City Engineering.
  2. Complete the Sewer Service Permit application and attach drawings and contractor information.
  3. Pay application and inspection fees as directed by the Building or Engineering counter.
  4. Schedule and pass required inspections; do not cover work until inspections are complete.
  5. If ordered to remedy a violation, follow the compliance direction or appeal within the City’s specified time limits.

FAQ

Who needs a sewer service permit?
Anyone connecting, altering, capping or disconnecting a sewer service from the municipal system generally requires a permit and inspections.
How long does approval take?
Processing times vary by workload and completeness of submission; the City’s pages do not specify exact processing times.
What are the fees?
Fees are set by the City fee schedule or bylaw and are not specified on the cited page; contact the Building/Engineering intake for current amounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain a permit before starting any work on public sewer connections.
  • Provide complete drawings and contractor details to avoid delays.
  • Unpermitted work may lead to orders, fines or court action.

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