Request Building Inspection Records - Burnaby Bylaws

In Burnaby, British Columbia, building inspection records are public records that may be requested under access-to-information rules. This guide explains how to request inspection reports, what departments handle records, typical timelines, and practical steps to get plans, inspection notes, and compliance history from the City of Burnaby. It covers who enforces bylaws, common charges for records requests under provincial FOIPPA rules, and what to expect when records include personal or third-party information.

Penalties & Enforcement

Building inspections and bylaw compliance in Burnaby are enforced by the City of Burnaby Building Division and By-law Enforcement. Enforcement tools include orders to comply, notices, tickets, and court action; fines and escalation rules vary by bylaw and are set in the applicable bylaw or provincial statute. Where monetary fines or schedules are not published on the city page for a specific offence, those amounts are not specified on the cited page.

• Enforcer: City of Burnaby Building Division and By-law Enforcement, which investigate complaints and issue orders or tickets.
• Fines: amounts depend on the specific bylaw or ticket; if the city page for a bylaw does not list fines, the amounts are not specified on the cited page.
• Time limits: provincial access legislation sets response timelines for records requests (commonly 30 business days under BC FOIPPA for an initial response).
• Escalation: first offences may incur tickets or orders; repeat or continuing offences can lead to higher penalties or prosecution depending on the bylaw.
• Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, remedial work orders, stop-work orders, lien notices, and court proceedings.
• Inspection and complaint pathways: file complaints with By-law Enforcement or request inspection records from Building Division; see Help and Support / Resources below for contact pages.

Applications & Forms

To request building inspection records you generally submit a Freedom of Information request to the City Clerk or use the City of Burnaby FOI request form if available. Under provincial FOIPPA rules there is commonly an application fee (for example, a $10 application fee is standard under BC access rules) and a statutory response timeline. If a specific city form or fee is not listed on the municipal page, that information is not specified on the cited page.

• Form: City of Burnaby FOI Request Form (if published by the City Clerk) or written request by email/mail.
• Fee: application fee commonly required under provincial FOIPPA rules; check municipal page for current amount.
• Submission: City Clerk office by mail, in-person, or official email address as listed on the city site.
• Deadlines: municipal response follows provincial timelines; appeals follow the provincial review body timelines.

How records are released

The City reviews records for third-party or personal information and may redact exempt content before release. Records can be provided as digital copies, scans, or paper copies; reproduction fees may apply. If a requested file references active permits or open investigations, parts of the file may be withheld or partially redacted under privacy or investigative exemptions.

Common violations and typical outcomes

• Construction without permit: stop-work order, required permit, remedial work; fines vary by bylaw.
• Failure to comply with inspection requirements: orders to remedy, potential fines, permit suspensions.
• Unsafe conditions: immediate orders or stop-work; possible prosecution for continued non-compliance.

FAQ

How do I request building inspection records in Burnaby?

You submit a written FOI request to the City Clerk or use the city FOI request form where available; include property address, permit number, and specific date ranges.

How long will it take to get records?

Provincial access rules generally require an initial response within 30 business days; extensions are possible in complex cases.

Are there fees?

There is commonly an application fee under provincial FOIPPA and possible reproduction fees; check the city FOI page for current fees.

How-To

Step-by-step to request building inspection records in Burnaby.

1. Identify the property and the records you need: address, permit number, date range, and specific inspection types.
2. Contact the City of Burnaby Building Division or City Clerk to confirm whether the records exist and the preferred request method.
3. Complete the City FOI request form if available or prepare a written request specifying your contact details and description of records.
4. Pay the application fee and any expected reproduction charges, as instructed by the City Clerk or building office.
5. Wait for an initial response within provincial timelines (commonly 30 business days); the City will advise of any redactions, fees, or extensions.
6. If records are withheld or you disagree, follow the City appeal procedure and consider application to the provincial review body for reconsideration.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the City Clerk or Building Division to identify the exact file reference.
• Expect a provincial timeline (commonly 30 business days) and a possible application fee.
• Contact By-law Enforcement for compliance issues and Building Division for inspection records.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Burnaby - Freedom of Information (City Clerk)
• City of Burnaby - Building Division
• BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (consolidated statute)
• City of Burnaby - Bylaws and Enforcement