Burnaby Stormwater Bylaws and Management

Land Use and Zoning British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia · By Daniel Roy

Burnaby, British Columbia requires property owners, builders and developers to manage stormwater to protect infrastructure, waterways and neighbourhoods. This guide explains the municipal rules that affect stormwater conveyance, on-site retention, best management practices and reporting obligations in Burnaby, and describes how enforcement, fines and permit processes typically work.

Check municipal permit requirements early in project planning.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of stormwater and drainage requirements in Burnaby is typically handled by the City of Burnaby’s bylaw and engineering teams. Available public documents and municipal guidance set out that fines, orders and corrective actions may be imposed for unlawful discharges, blocked or altered storm systems, or failure to maintain required controls. Specific fine amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal pages; readers should contact By-law Enforcement for precise figures and current schedules.[1]

Failure to control stormwater runoff can result in orders to remedy and possible fines.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and the Engineering Department oversee inspections and compliance.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: report spills, illegal connections, or drainage problems to the City’s complaint/reporting portal or engineering services.
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals and review: appeals generally follow municipal bylaw appeal channels; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: remediation orders, stop-work orders, restoration directives, and court action are possible remedies.

Common violations

  • Illegal discharge to storm drains (sediment, oil, concrete washout).
  • Altering or blocking a public storm sewer without authorization.
  • Failure to implement required site runoff controls during construction.

Applications & Forms

Project-specific controls often require permits or approvals through Engineering or Planning. The city publishes forms and submission instructions for drainage and development permits; where a form or fee is not listed on the available pages, it is not specified on the cited page. Contact the appropriate city office for the latest application names, numbers, fees and submission methods.

Apply for drainage approvals before construction begins to avoid delays and enforcement action.

Requirements & Best Practices

Burnaby’s approach emphasizes source control, on-site retention/infiltration where feasible, erosion and sediment controls during construction, and protecting receiving streams and storm infrastructure. Developers are expected to follow the city’s engineering standards and any stormwater management guidance that applies to their project type.

  • Design standards: comply with municipal engineering and drainage standards for new works and redevelopment.
  • Timing and phasing: implement erosion and sediment controls before earthworks begin.
  • Record-keeping: retain as-built drawings, inspection logs and maintenance plans as required.
Erosion and sediment control plans are often required for active construction sites.

Action Steps

  • Identify whether your project requires a drainage permit or stormwater management plan.
  • Prepare erosion, sediment and runoff controls in line with municipal engineering guidelines.
  • Submit applications and fees to Engineering or Planning as instructed and retain proof of approvals on site.
  • Report spills, illegal discharges, blocked drains or flooding to By-law Enforcement or Engineering immediately.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for on-site stormwater management?
It depends on the scope of work; many new developments and major landscaping or grading works require drainage approvals or permits from the City.
Who enforces stormwater rules in Burnaby?
By-law Enforcement and the Engineering Department are the primary enforcers; drainage-related approvals are managed through Engineering or Planning.
How do I report illegal discharge or a blocked storm drain?
Report via the City’s bylaw complaint or engineering service channels as soon as possible.

How-To

  1. Identify the issue: describe location, nature of discharge or blockage, and any immediate hazards.
  2. Collect evidence: take photos, note times, and record witnesses or vehicle details if relevant.
  3. Report to the City: submit the information through the City of Burnaby’s complaint/reporting portal or contact By-law Enforcement.
  4. Follow up: keep records of your report and responses; escalate to Engineering if flooding or infrastructure damage continues.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan stormwater controls early in project design to meet municipal standards.
  • Noncompliance can lead to orders, remediation requirements and fines.
  • Report hazards and illegal discharges promptly to reduce environmental harm.

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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.