Burnaby Development Permit Fees - Bylaw Guide
Burnaby, British Columbia requires development permits for many new constructions, exterior renovations in protected areas, and projects affecting sensitive environmental or heritage zones. This guide explains how development permit fees are set, where to find official schedules and forms, typical timelines, and enforcement pathways so applicants and property owners can plan budgets and timelines with confidence.
Overview of Development Permit Fees
The City of Burnaby publishes guidance on the purpose and types of development permits and how they fit into the planning approval pathway. For the official overview and scope of development permits, consult the City planning pages City of Burnaby - Development Permits[1].
- Fee types: application review fees, inspection fees, and security deposits for site remediation or landscape works.
- Who pays: typically the applicant or owner submitting the development permit application.
- When paid: application fees are payable at submission; some fees or securities are collected before permits or occupancy.
For the official fee schedule and published charges that apply to development applications, consult the City of Burnaby fees pages or the development application fee schedule Development Application Fees[2]. If a specific fee figure is not shown on that page, the schedule or PDF linked there should be consulted directly.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of development-related rules is handled by the City of Burnaby through Planning, Building and By-law Enforcement divisions. Information about investigation, compliance and enforcement pathways is published on the City bylaw and compliance pages By-law Enforcement[3].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; refer to the specific bylaw text or enforcement notice for exact penalties.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence frameworks are set in applicable bylaws or notices and are not uniformly detailed on the general enforcement page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to restore or remove unauthorized works, withholding of occupancy, and court actions are used where applicable.
- Enforcer: Planning Division, Building Division and By-law Enforcement team coordinate inspections and complaints; use official contact pages to report suspected contraventions.
- Appeals: appeal routes and time limits vary by instrument (e.g., development permit conditions, building orders); specific appeal periods are set in the controlling bylaw or decision notice and should be read on the cited bylaw or decision document.
- Defences/discretion: decisions often allow administrative discretion, variances, or permits where a reasonable excuse or mitigation is shown; check the relevant bylaw or variance process.
Applications & Forms
The City publishes application forms and submission requirements for development permits and related applications on its planning and forms pages; where a named form or fee exists, it is linked on those official pages. If a specific form number or fee is not displayed on the general guidance page, the PDF form or fee schedule linked there is the controlling document Development Application Fees[2].
- Typical form: development permit application form (name and file number appear on the City forms page).
- Payment: application fees payable on submission; some securities held until completion.
- Deadlines: submission windows and expiry periods for permits are set per permit type and are posted on the City pages or on the permit decision.
Application Process & Timelines
Applications are typically reviewed by Planning and Building staff, with referrals to Engineering or Parks as required. Timelines depend on application complexity, completeness, and whether variances or rezoning are needed. Early consultation and a complete submission reduce delays.
- Pre-application: optional meeting with staff to confirm scope and submission requirements.
- Submission: complete form, plans, supporting studies and fee.
- Review: cycles of review, revisions and conditions may follow before issuance.
FAQ
- What triggers a development permit in Burnaby?
- A development permit is required for new construction, significant exterior alterations in protected areas, and projects in environmentally sensitive, heritage or intensive change areas; consult the City planning pages for scope details (see official guidance).
- How are development permit fees calculated?
- Fees are set by the City fee schedule and may include review fees, inspection charges and securities; exact amounts are published on the City fee pages or development application fee schedule.
- How do I appeal a permit decision?
- Appeal rights and time limits are specified in the controlling bylaw or decision notice; check the permit decision or the relevant bylaw for exact timelines and procedure.
How-To
- Determine whether your project requires a development permit by reviewing the City of Burnaby development permits guidance.
- Download and complete the official development permit application form and checklist from the City forms page.
- Prepare payment for the application fee as stated on the development application fee schedule and submit with your package.
- Respond promptly to staff requests for revisions and provide requested studies or drawings.
- If you disagree with a decision, follow the appeal route set out on the decision notice or applicable bylaw within the stated time limit.
Key Takeaways
- Check the official City pages for which projects need a development permit.
- Consult the published fee schedule to estimate application costs before submission.
- Enforcement may include stop-work orders and fines; follow official complaint and inspection pathways.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Burnaby - Planning & Development
- City of Burnaby - Building Permits & Inspections
- City of Burnaby - By-law Enforcement
- Development Application Fees & Forms