Burnaby Stormwater Management Bylaws for Developments
Burnaby, British Columbia requires new developments and major redevelopments to meet municipal stormwater management expectations early in design and at construction. This guide summarizes the city-level requirements, typical on-site controls, permitting touchpoints and how to comply during site servicing and building permit stages. Refer to the city sources linked below for official specifications and submission details.City stormwater guidance[1]
Overview
Developers must design drainage systems that control runoff quality and quantity, prevent erosion, and avoid adverse impacts to downstream infrastructure. Key expectations typically include source control, conveyance sizing, temporary erosion and sediment control during construction, and long-term maintenance of stormwater facilities.
- Implement on-site best management practices (BMPs) such as infiltration, detention, and vegetated features where feasible.
- Submit engineering servicing plans showing drainage design, calculations and maintenance access.
- Coordinate approvals early with Engineering and Planning to avoid redesign and delays.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of stormwater and drainage standards in Burnaby is carried out by the City of Burnaby departments responsible for engineering approvals and bylaw compliance. Fine amounts and specific penalty schedules are not specified on the cited city page and must be confirmed with By-law Enforcement or Engineering in writing.By-law Enforcement contact[2]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges - not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work notices, remediation orders, and court action are available remedies.
- Enforcer: City of Burnaby Engineering and By-law Enforcement divisions handle inspections and tickets.
- Inspection and complaints: use the city contact pages to report drainage problems or illegal discharges.
Applications & Forms
Required submissions usually include engineering servicing drawings, drainage reports, and erosion and sediment control plans for review at subdivision, development permit or building permit stages. Specific form names and fee schedules are not specified on the cited city stormwater guidance page and should be requested from Engineering or Planning during pre-application.See city guidance[1]
FAQ
- Who enforces stormwater requirements in Burnaby?
- The City of Burnaby Engineering and By-law Enforcement divisions enforce stormwater rules and inspect sites during construction and after completion.
- Do developers need a separate stormwater permit?
- Stormwater requirements are typically reviewed as part of development, subdivision and building permit applications; a separate dedicated stormwater permit is not always published as a distinct form on the city page.
- What happens if construction causes sediment discharge?
- Construction-related discharges can trigger stop-work orders, remediation orders and potential fines; report incidents to By-law Enforcement and Engineering immediately.
How-To
- Start pre-application consultation with Burnaby Engineering to confirm drainage standards and submission requirements.
- Prepare a drainage report and ESC (erosion and sediment control) plan that meet the city criteria and attach maintenance provisions.
- Submit engineering servicing drawings with the development or building permit application and address all peer review comments promptly.
- Implement site controls during construction, maintain records, and arrange final inspections for acceptance and long-term maintenance agreements.
Key Takeaways
- Early coordination with Engineering saves time and cost during design and permit review.
- Maintain clear ESC measures during construction to avoid orders and remediation.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Burnaby - Engineering Services
- City of Burnaby - Planning and Development
- City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement