Request AI Decision Review - Burnaby Bylaw Policy

Technology and Data British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, residents and businesses may encounter municipal decisions supported or made using automated tools or algorithms. This guide explains how to request a review when a city decision involves artificial intelligence, who enforces policy, what information to supply, and practical steps to pursue an internal review or appeal. It is written for people dealing with planning, bylaw, licensing or service decisions where AI tools played a role.

Ask for the name of the official, the decision date, and whether an automated tool influenced the result.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Burnaby treats policy breaches and noncompliance according to the controlling department and any applicable bylaw or corporate policy. Specific monetary fines or escalations tied solely to the use of AI are not specified on the cited pages; enforcement depends on the underlying decision type (e.g., bylaw, licensing, planning). City council and corporate policies[1] explain governance for administrative policies and decision-making.

  • Enforcer: the department that issued the decision (By-law Enforcement, Planning, Licensing, or the relevant business unit).
  • Appeals/review routes: internal review under city policy or formal appeal where a bylaw or statutory regime provides one; time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Fines and penalties: not specified on the cited pages when arising specifically from AI use; monetary penalties for bylaw breaches are set in the applicable bylaw.
  • Non-monetary remedies: orders to comply, reconsideration of decisions, suspension or revocation of permits/licenses, or referral to legal/court processes depending on the instrument enforcing the rule.
When the decision is part of permitting or licensing, request the department’s reasons and any model or dataset references.

Applications & Forms

There is no single published Burnaby form titled "AI decision review" on the city policies page; requests are typically made in writing to the department or City Clerk. For corporate policy processes, follow instructions in the council/corporate policy pages or contact the issuing department for required documentation.

  • If a specific form is required by a department it will be posted on that department's service page; none is shown for AI decisions on the council policy page.
  • Submit requests by email or mail to the department that issued the decision, with a copy to the City Clerk if the matter is a policy review.

How to Request a Review

Follow these steps to ask for a review of an AI-influenced municipal decision. If the decision arises from a bylaw enforcement action, the enforcing department is the starting point; for corporate policy or administrative decisions, the City Clerk and the department responsible should be contacted. For guidance on the city's policy framework and governance of administrative decision-making, refer to the City of Burnaby council and corporate policy listings. [1]

  1. Identify the decision: record the decision date, file or permit number, names of staff involved, and the specific outcome you seek changed.
  2. Request the decision rationale in writing from the issuing department and ask whether automated tools or data sets contributed to the result.
  3. Send a written request for internal review to the department and the City Clerk; include supporting documents, contact information, and a clear remedy sought.
  4. If the internal review is unsatisfactory, pursue any formal appeal route available under the relevant bylaw or regulatory framework; statutory time limits, if any, are set in those instruments and are not specified on the cited pages.
Keep a written record of all communications and request confirmation of receipt for your review request.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Failure to disclose use of automated decision tools: may lead to reconsideration orders or revised procedures; specific sanctions are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Procedural errors in automated processing (e.g., incorrect data): typical remedies include correction, reassessment, or rescinding the decision.
  • Noncompliance with bylaw-generated penalties where AI assisted: penalties follow the applicable bylaw's schedule.

FAQ

Who do I contact to request a review?
Contact the department that issued the decision and copy the City Clerk; for bylaw enforcement matters contact By-law Enforcement directly. [2]
Is there a dedicated AI-review form?
No dedicated public form for "AI decision review" is published on the council policies page; requests should be submitted in writing to the responsible department or City Clerk.
How long will a review take?
Timeframes are not specified on the cited policy pages and depend on the department and the complexity of the decision.

How-To

  1. Gather the decision details and supporting evidence.
  2. Write a clear request for review addressed to the issuing department and City Clerk.
  3. Send the request by email or registered mail and request an acknowledgment.
  4. If needed, follow the department's appeal process or request escalation under council policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Ask explicitly whether automated tools influenced your municipal decision and request the rationale in writing.
  • Submit a written review request to the issuing department and copy the City Clerk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Council & Corporate Policies
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement

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