Sandwich Board Licence in Burnaby for Cafes

Signs and Advertising British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Burnaby, British Columbia cafés that want to use a sandwich board (sidewalk A-frame) must follow city sign, business licensing and sidewalk encroachment rules. This guide explains which city offices handle applications, what permits may be needed, how to apply, common compliance issues and where to find the official forms and contacts.

What licences and permits cover sandwich boards

  • Business licence requirement for a café — confirm with the City of Burnaby business licence office via the official guidance page Business Licence[1].
  • Sign permits and sign bylaw rules for temporary/display signs are managed through the city planning and building sign guidance; check the signs and advertising information Signs and advertising[2].
  • Sidewalk encroachment or boulevard use may require an additional permit from Engineering or Public Works; consult the city’s permitting pages for encroachments.
Confirm permit types with city staff before placing any board on a public sidewalk.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Burnaby’s bylaw enforcement and licensing teams. Specific fine amounts for unpermitted sandwich boards or sign bylaw breaches are not clearly listed on the cited pages and are therefore not specified on the cited page.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see the city sign and licensing pages for notices and bylaw references.[2]
  • Escalation: the cited guidance does not list first vs repeat offence ranges; enforcement typically progresses from warning to ticketing and orders (not specified on the cited page).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, seizure or requirements to remove unpermitted signs may be used; court prosecution is the ultimate route where charges proceed.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: contact Bylaw Enforcement or Business Licence offices to report non-compliance or to request an inspection (see Help and Support / Resources below).
  • Appeals and reviews: the cited pages do not specify appeal time limits; ask the issuing office for review and appeal timelines when you receive an order or ticket.
If you receive an order or ticket, request the issuing bylaw file number and appeal instructions right away.

Applications & Forms

  • Business Licence Application — required for operating a café; check the official Business Licence page for the application method and fees.[1]
  • Sign Permit / Temporary Sign Application — the city provides sign guidance and may identify required application forms; fee amounts and a specific sandwich-board form are not specified on the cited pages.[2]
  • Submission method and deadlines: apply online or by mail/visit as instructed on the city pages; any permit expiry or renewal timelines should be confirmed with the issuing office.

How-To

  1. Confirm your business licence status or apply for a business licence if you do not already have one.
  2. Review the City of Burnaby sign guidance and determine whether a sign permit or temporary sign approval is required for a sandwich board.[2]
  3. Prepare an application with photos, a site plan showing placement on the sidewalk, and any safety features (e.g., stable base, non-obstructive placement).
  4. Submit forms and pay fees as indicated on the city pages, then follow up with Licensing or Bylaw staff for inspection or written approval before placing the board publicly.

FAQ

Do I need a business licence to use a sandwich board outside my café?
Yes, you must have a valid business licence for the café; additionally, sandwich boards may need a sign permit or approval under the city sign rules.[1]
Where do I submit a sign or sidewalk encroachment application?
Submit sign permit or related encroachment requests through the City of Burnaby planning/permits and business licence pages; follow the application instructions on those official pages.[2]
What happens if my sandwich board blocks the sidewalk?
Blocking a sidewalk may trigger a removal order or fine from bylaw enforcement; contact the city’s bylaw office to resolve the issue promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Check both business licence and sign/encroachment rules before placing a sandwich board.
  • Contact Burnaby Licensing or Bylaw Enforcement for specific guidance and to avoid enforcement action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Business Licence
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Signs and advertising

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