Development Permit Triggers - Burnaby Bylaws
In Burnaby, British Columbia, development permits regulate changes to land, buildings and sensitive areas to protect environmental values, form and public safety. This guide explains common development permit triggers in Burnaby, how to check whether your site needs a permit, where to find application materials, and how enforcement and appeals work under municipal processes. Use the official City of Burnaby planning pages and contact the Planning or By-law Enforcement offices for definitive, site-specific direction before starting work. Visit the City planning page[1]
When a Development Permit Is Triggered
Development permits in Burnaby are commonly required when proposals affect:
- New construction or additions that change exterior form or massing.
- Alterations affecting parking, access, or traffic patterns.
- Work in designated protection areas such as steep slopes, riparian setbacks, or environmentally sensitive sites.
- Projects in Development Permit Areas identified by the Official Community Plan.
Site Assessment and Triggers
Before submitting, property owners and applicants should: request pre-application advice if available, review the Official Community Plan and relevant area plans, and consult the Development Permit Area guidelines that accompany zoning and OCP policies. If your site is in a designated area or your proposal changes building form, landscaping, or environmental buffers, a development permit is likely required.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of development permit requirements in Burnaby is administered by the Planning Department working with By-law Enforcement and Building Inspection as appropriate. Specific monetary fines and schedules for offences are referenced on official municipal enforcement pages or in the applicable bylaw; amounts and ticket schedules are not specified on the cited planning pages. Contact By-law Enforcement[2]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited planning pages or general permit guidance; see municipal ticketing or the specific bylaw for figures.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures are set out in enforcement bylaws or ticketing schedules and are not specified on the general development permit guidance.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, remediation orders, or court action may be available under municipal bylaws; consult By-law Enforcement for statutory powers and processes.
- Enforcer: Planning Department and By-law Enforcement administer compliance; Building Inspection enforces building-related permits and stop-work orders.
- Inspection and complaints: report suspected unauthorized work through official By-law Enforcement channels; see resources below for contact pages.
- Appeal and review: appeal routes depend on the approval type; timelines for appeals or reviews are set by the approving instrument or provincial rules and are not specified on the cited permit guidance pages.
Applications & Forms
The City of Burnaby publishes a Development Permit application and related submission requirements and checklists; specific form names, numbers and fee amounts should be confirmed on the official application page. View application forms and fee information[3]
- Name: Development Permit Application (see City application page for the current form name and checklist).
- Fee: development permit fees and deposit schedules are published with application materials or fee bylaws; if a fee is not shown on the application page, it is not specified on the cited page.
- Submission: typically submitted to the Planning Department as directed on the City application page; digital or in-person instructions are provided on that page.
- Deadlines: any statutory or processing timelines are set by the City and its fee/bylaw schedules and may vary by application type.
How-To
- Determine if your property is in a Development Permit Area by checking the Official Community Plan and City map layers.
- Review the Development Permit Area guidelines relevant to your site and project type.
- Contact the Planning Department for pre-application advice and to confirm required studies or reports.
- Complete the official Development Permit application form and assemble supporting plans and reports per the checklist.
- Submit the application and pay fees as directed; track reviews and respond to requests from Planning or other departments.
- If refused or if you disagree with conditions, follow the appeal or review route set out by the City for that permit type.
FAQ
- When is a Development Permit required?
- A development permit is required when proposals affect lands or buildings within designated Development Permit Areas or when changes alter building form, environmental buffers, parking or public realm elements; consult the City map and OCP to confirm.
- How do I apply for a Development Permit?
- Apply using the official Development Permit application and checklist available on the City of Burnaby planning application pages; pre-application meetings are recommended.
- How long does the approval process take?
- Processing time varies by complexity and referrals; specific timelines and service standards are published by the City where available and may not be specified on general guidance pages.
- What happens if I start work without a permit?
- Starting work without an approved permit can lead to enforcement action, stop-work orders and possible fines or remediation requirements; contact By-law Enforcement or Building Inspection to report or resolve unauthorized work.
Key Takeaways
- Check the Official Community Plan and City maps first to see if a Development Permit is likely.
- Use the City application checklist and seek pre-application advice for complex sites.
- Contact Planning or By-law Enforcement early to avoid enforcement issues.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Burnaby - Development Permits
- City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement
- City of Burnaby - Building Permits & Inspections
- Development application forms and checklists
