Who must register a vacant building in Burnaby?

The owner of record or their authorized agent must register if the building meets the Citys definition of vacant; check By-law Enforcement to confirm applicability.

How much are the registration fees or fines?

Specific fee and fine amounts are not specified on the cited City pages and must be confirmed with the controlling bylaw or the City department referenced in the article.

Where do I submit a registration or complaint?

Submit registrations and complaints to the City of Burnabys By-law Enforcement or Building Permits & Inspections offices as instructed on the official City pages.

Register a Vacant Building in Burnaby Bylaw Guide

Housing and Building Standards British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

In Burnaby, British Columbia, property owners of vacant buildings may face registration, inspection, and maintenance requirements under municipal bylaws and enforcement policies. This guide explains who must register a vacant building, typical evidence and inspection processes, how the City enforces requirements, and the practical steps to register or report a vacant property in Burnaby. It is aimed at owners, property managers, and legal representatives who need to comply with local rules and avoid enforcement actions.

Overview

Municipal rules aim to prevent dereliction, reduce hazards, and keep neighbourhoods safe. Registration programs—where required—help the City track vacant properties, ensure security measures are in place, and require contact and maintenance information from owners.

Who must register

Typically, the owner of record or their authorized agent must register any building that is classified as vacant under the City of Burnaby definitions. Definitions and specific triggers for registration (for example, continuous vacancy period or unsafe conditions) are set by municipal policy or bylaw and should be confirmed with the City.

Requirements

Provide owner and agent contact information and an on-call representative.
Submit a description of security measures (locks, boarding, alarms).
Notify the City of vacancy start date and intended timeline for occupancy or demolition.
Maintain the exterior and utilities as required to prevent hazards and nuisance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is typically handled by By-law Enforcement and the Building Division; specific penalties and fee amounts are set in the controlling bylaw or enforcement policy. Where exact fines or daily penalties are published, they appear in the City bylaw or enforcement notices; if not published on the City pages cited, the amounts are not specified on the cited page^[1].

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the controlling bylaw or enforcement notice for amounts.
Escalation: first and repeat offences, and continuing offence daily fines are set by bylaw or enforcement policy and are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remediate, boarding, security requirements, demolition orders, or prosecution in court.
Enforcer and inspections: By-law Enforcement and Building Inspectors perform inspections and respond to complaints; contact details are on the City site^[1].
Appeals and reviews: appeal routes (such as hearings or review panels) and time limits depend on the specific bylaw; time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Common violations: failure to register, inadequate security/boarding, unsafe structural conditions, failure to maintain utilities; penalties vary by violation and are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Where a formal registration form or application is required, it is published by the City’s Building or By-law Enforcement pages; submission methods (online, email, mail, or in person), fee schedules, and any required supporting documents will be listed on the City pages for permits and enforcement^[2]. If a specific registration form is not published publicly, the City may accept written submissions or direct applicants to contact the department.

If you cannot find a published registration form, contact By-law Enforcement for instructions.

How-To

Confirm whether the building meets the City’s definition of vacant by contacting By-law Enforcement.
Gather required information: ownership, agent contact, vacancy date, security measures, and plans for reuse or disposition.
Complete the City registration form if one exists, or submit the required details as instructed by the City’s Building or By-law Enforcement office^[2].
Pay any applicable registration or inspection fees as directed by the City.
Maintain the property to the standards set by the City and respond promptly to inspection orders or notices.

Keep records of all communications and receipts for inspections, repairs, and payments.

FAQ

Who must register a vacant building in Burnaby?: The owner of record or their authorized agent must register if the building meets the City’s definition of vacant; check By-law Enforcement to confirm applicability.
How much are the registration fees or fines?: Specific fee and fine amounts are not specified on the cited City pages and must be confirmed with the controlling bylaw or the City department referenced below.
Where do I submit a registration or complaint?: Submit registrations and complaints to the City of Burnaby’s By-law Enforcement or Building Permits & Inspections offices as instructed on the official City pages.

Key Takeaways

Contact Burnaby By-law Enforcement early to confirm registration requirements.
Prepare owner and security information before submitting a registration.
Keep clear records and respond promptly to inspections and orders.