How to File a Parking Bylaw Complaint - Burnaby

Transportation British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, parking bylaw complaints are handled by the City’s By-law Enforcement and Parking Operations. This guide explains how to report parking violations, what information to provide, who enforces rules, and how enforcement and appeals generally work. It is designed for residents, property managers, and businesses who need practical steps to document and submit a complaint about illegal parking, blocking driveways, expired zones, or other contraventions of municipal parking rules.

Gather clear photos, dates, times, and licence plate numbers before you submit a complaint.

How to report a parking bylaw complaint

Follow these practical steps to file a complaint with the City of Burnaby:

  • Contact By-law Enforcement or Parking Operations by phone or online to report the issue.
  • Provide date, time, precise location, vehicle description and licence plate, and any supporting photos or video.
  • Note whether the violation is ongoing (blocking a driveway) or a single event (expired meter).
  • Retain copies of your evidence and any correspondence for appeals or follow-up.

The City receives complaints, investigates, and issues municipal tickets or warnings when appropriate. For official contact details and complaint pathways see the City of Burnaby parking and bylaw enforcement page City of Burnaby - Parking Enforcement[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement and Parking Operations. The municipal pages describe enforcement functions and how tickets are administered, but specific fine amounts and schedules are not listed on the cited page.

If you receive a ticket, act promptly to learn appeal deadlines and payment options.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; refer to the municipal ticket or the consolidated bylaws for exact figures.
  • Escalation: whether first, repeat, or continuing offences result in increased fines or court action is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the City may issue orders, tow or impound vehicles, or pursue court action where permitted; specific procedures are not fully detailed on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathways: By-law Enforcement and Parking Operations are the responsible offices; contact details are on the City page cited above [1].
  • Appeal and review routes: the cited page refers to review or dispute processes but does not list exact time limits or steps on that page.
  • Defences and discretion: common defences include valid permits, emergency or reasonable excuse, or administrative errors; availability and standards for review are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The City does not publish a single standardized "parking complaint" form on the cited enforcement page; complaints are accepted by phone or online through the By-law Enforcement contact pathways referenced above [1]. Separate permit applications (for residential permits, temporary no-parking requests, or exemption permits) are listed on other City pages and are handled via specific application forms where provided.

For permit requests or exemptions, use the City’s permitting pages rather than the complaint contact form.

Common violations

  • Parking in a no-parking or no-stopping zone.
  • Blocking driveways or access to private property.
  • Overstaying time-limited or permit-only spaces.
  • Obstructing curb ramps or accessible parking spaces.

FAQ

How do I report an illegally parked vehicle?
Contact City of Burnaby By-law Enforcement or Parking Operations with location, time, licence plate, and photos; use the official parking enforcement page for details.[1]
Will the City tow a vehicle that blocks my driveway?
The City may tow or impound blocking vehicles; to request immediate enforcement call the bylaw enforcement phone number listed on the City page.[1]
How can I appeal a parking ticket?
Follow the review or dispute instructions on your ticket and the City’s enforcement page; exact time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Document the violation with date, time, exact location, vehicle description, and clear photos.
  2. Contact Burnaby By-law Enforcement or Parking Operations by phone or the online contact method on the City’s parking enforcement page.[1]
  3. Submit your evidence and request an investigation or ticketing action.
  4. If a ticket is issued and you dispute it, follow the appeal or review process noted on the ticket and the City’s instructions.
  5. Pay fines if your dispute is unsuccessful or attend the hearing as directed.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepare clear evidence before contacting By-law Enforcement.
  • Use the City’s official parking enforcement contact for complaints and follow-up.[1]
  • Permit or exemption requests use separate application pages rather than the general complaint pathway.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Parking Enforcement

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