Burnaby Contractor Licence & Permit Checklist

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

This checklist explains contractor licences and permit requirements in Burnaby, British Columbia, for contractors, tradespeople and small building firms. It summarises which municipal licences you may need, when to apply for building permits, inspection triggers, common bylaw obligations and practical next steps to remain compliant. Use the sections below to prepare documentation, identify the responsible city departments, and follow official application and enforcement pathways.

Before you apply

Confirm your business status and scope (general contractor, trade contractor, home renovator) and whether a City of Burnaby business licence is required for your work type. For licence eligibility, rates and renewal rules see the City business-licence guidance City of Burnaby business licences[1].

Check licence categories early to avoid delays.

Common requirements checklist

  • Business licence application or renewal.
  • Proof of insurance and WCB coverage where required.
  • Building permit application for structural, plumbing or major trades work.
  • Plans, drawings and site information for permit review.
  • Scheduling inspections after permit issuance.
  • Payment of fees for licences and permits.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by relevant City of Burnaby departments: Bylaw Enforcement for licence and bylaw breaches, and Building Services for permit and building-code matters. For contact points, see the municipal enforcement pages Bylaw Enforcement[3] and the Building Permits page Building Permits[2].

Act promptly on inspection orders to avoid escalation.

Fines and monetary penalties: the exact fine amounts and rates are not specified on the cited enforcement pages and must be confirmed on the specific bylaw or fee schedule referenced by the City; see the linked official pages for current figures or contact the department directly.

Escalation: the detailed escalation schedule for first, repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited pages.

Non-monetary sanctions commonly applied or available under municipal practice include orders to stop work, compliance orders, revocation or suspension of licences, court action for injunctions or prosecutions, and seizure of goods in limited circumstances; specific authority and procedures are set out in the applicable bylaws and admin procedures, which should be consulted directly.

Applications & Forms

Key applications and where to submit them:

  • Business licence application — official business licence forms and online application details are on the City business licence page. Fees and required attachments are listed there.
  • Building permit application — submit plans and permit forms to Burnaby Building Services; see the Building Permits page for application checklists, submission options and process details.
  • Fees — fee schedules for licences and permits are published on the respective City pages or bylaw schedules; if a fee is not shown on the page, it is not specified on the cited page.
Some permit applications require professional drawings and sealed documents.

Action steps

  • Determine licence class and prepare insurance/WCB proof.
  • Complete and submit the business licence application online or in person.
  • Prepare permit drawings and submit a building permit application to Building Services; await plan check before starting work.
  • Book required inspections promptly after permit approval.
  • If you receive an order or ticket, contact the issuing department to confirm deadlines for compliance or appeal.

FAQ

Do contractors need a City of Burnaby business licence?
Generally yes for most contracting trades; check the City business licence page for category-specific requirements and exemptions.
When do I need a building permit?
A building permit is required for structural work, additions, major renovations, new plumbing or mechanical systems; consult Burnaby Building Services for exact triggers.
What happens if I work without a permit?
Working without required permits can lead to stop work orders, fines, and requirements to expose and correct work; specific penalties are set out in City bylaws.

How-To

  1. Confirm the exact licences and permits needed for your project by reviewing the City business licence and building permit guidance.
  2. Gather documentation: insurance, WCB clearance, drawings, site plans and trade qualifications.
  3. Submit licence and permit applications online or at the indicated City offices and pay applicable fees.
  4. Schedule and pass required inspections before proceeding to subsequent construction phases.
  5. If issued an order or ticket, follow the compliance steps and, if needed, use the appeal process listed by the issuing department.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm licence and permit requirements before quoting or starting work.
  • Submit complete drawings and documentation to avoid delays in permit review.
  • Keep records of approvals, inspections and payments to support compliance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Business licences
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Building Permits
  3. [3] City of Burnaby - Bylaw Enforcement

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data