Food Vendor Permits & Licence Checklist - Burnaby

Business and Consumer Protection British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia · By Daniel Roy

Burnaby, British Columbia requires food vendors to hold appropriate health permits and a City business licence before trading. This guide explains which permits apply, the typical application steps, inspection and compliance pathways, and where to find official forms and contacts for Burnaby and Fraser Health.

What permits and licences apply

Most mobile and temporary food vendors need a provincial public health permit for food handling plus a City of Burnaby business licence for operating within municipal boundaries. For public-health-specific permitting, contact Fraser Health for temporary and permanent food premises requirements and inspections. For municipal business licensing and location rules, consult the City of Burnaby Business Licence pages Fraser Health food permit information[1] and the City of Burnaby Business Licence service page City of Burnaby Business Licences[2].

Start permit applications well before your first event to allow time for inspections and approvals.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement may involve municipal bylaw officers for licence contraventions and Fraser Health officers for public health breaches. Specific monetary fines for operating without a licence or permit are not specified on the cited City or Fraser Health pages; enforcement focuses on orders, permit suspensions, refusal to issue permits, and remedial actions by health officers.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for exact amounts; see enforcing agencies listed below.
  • Escalation: repeated or continuing offences can lead to increased enforcement measures or legal action; exact escalation ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop operations, seizure of unsafe food, suspension or revocation of permits, and closure orders by Fraser Health.
  • Enforcer & inspection pathway: Fraser Health for food-safety inspections and Medical Health Officer orders; City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement and Business Licensing for municipal licence compliance.
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact the issuing authority for appeal steps and deadlines.
If you are inspected, keep copies of permits and temperature logs available for the inspector.

Applications & Forms

The main forms and applications are:

  • Fraser Health temporary or permanent food permit application (temporary food permit details and application process available from Fraser Health). See the Fraser Health page for guidance and application instructions[1].
  • City of Burnaby Business Licence application (apply online or in person as directed on the City page). Fee amounts and form numbers are not specified on the cited City page; consult the Business Licence page for current application steps[2].
  • Fees: specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited pages; check the linked official pages or contact the issuing office for the current schedule.

Practical compliance checklist

  • Confirm whether your operation is temporary, mobile, or fixed and which Fraser Health permit category applies.
  • Apply to Fraser Health for a temporary food permit or consult their guidance for permanent premises[1].
  • Apply for a City of Burnaby business licence and disclose the vending location and vehicle or stall details[2].
  • Prepare temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and a basic food safety plan for inspection.
  • If inspected or issued an order, follow directions and request written reasons and appeal instructions from the issuing body.
Keep digital copies of approvals and receipts while operating to demonstrate compliance during inspections.

FAQ

Do I need both a Fraser Health permit and a Burnaby business licence?
Yes. Public health permits are required for food safety from Fraser Health; a municipal business licence is required to operate legally within Burnaby. See Fraser Health and City of Burnaby links for details.[1][2]
How long does a temporary permit take?
Processing times are not specified on the Fraser Health page; apply early and contact Fraser Health for timelines.[1]
What happens if I operate without a permit?
Authorities can issue orders to stop operations, refuse permits, or pursue enforcement; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Determine your vendor type (temporary event, mobile food vehicle, or fixed kiosk).
  2. Contact Fraser Health to identify the correct food-permit category and submit required forms and menus.[1]
  3. Apply for a City of Burnaby business licence and declare your vending locations and hours.[2]
  4. Prepare for inspection: food-safety plan, equipment, and records.
  5. Obtain written permits before trading and keep copies on-site while operating.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Fraser Health permits and a Burnaby business licence are typically required.
  • Inspections and orders are the primary enforcement tools; exact fines are not specified on cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Fraser Health - Temporary Food Permit
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Business Licences

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.