Pay Vacant Property Fines in Burnaby - Bylaws

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

In Burnaby, British Columbia, owners must resolve fines or orders issued for vacant properties under municipal bylaws and related building or property standards. This guide explains where to pay a vacant property fine, who enforces the rules, how to submit payment or an appeal, and which official contacts to use. It is written for property owners, property managers and agents who need clear, practical steps to comply with Burnaby bylaw notices.

Penalties & Enforcement

Vacant property issues in Burnaby are handled by municipal bylaw and building enforcement staff. Specific fine amounts for vacant-property related offences are not consistently published on the cited municipal contact page; where amounts or daily penalties appear in a consolidated bylaw they are referenced on that bylaw text or ticket notice, but the cited contact page does not list fixed figures.[1]

  • Enforcer: Bylaw Enforcement and Building Division are the primary enforcement offices; use the official contact page to file questions or complaints.[1]
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; amounts may be set in individual bylaws, ticket schedules or court orders.
  • Escalation: municipalities commonly issue an initial order, then daily continuing fines for noncompliance, but specific escalation rates for Burnaby are not specified on the cited contact page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remediate, work orders, municipal abatement with cost recovery, and court proceedings can be used; the cited page references enforcement pathways but does not list all remedies.[1]
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: report vacant property concerns or request inspection through Bylaw Enforcement contact channels.[1]
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes and time limits (for example, filing a court challenge or requesting review) are handled according to the notice or ticket and the controlling bylaw; the contact page does not specify statutory time limits for appeals.[1]
If a fine or order is issued, act promptly to avoid escalation and municipal abatement costs.

Applications & Forms

The municipal contact page used for enforcement questions does not publish a dedicated "vacant-property fine payment" form; payment instructions typically appear on the ticket or order itself or on the city payments pages. For vacant-property remediation permits or building-related approvals consult the Building Division or Permit Centre directly.[1]

If you received a ticket, follow the payment or appeal instructions printed on the notice immediately.

How to Pay a Vacant Property Fine

  1. Locate your notice or ticket and note the file or ticket number shown on the document.
  2. Check the notice for payment options: online, mail, in person at City Hall, or other methods specified on the ticket or order.
  3. If you dispute the fine, follow the appeal or review instructions on the notice within the time limit stated there; if no time is printed, contact Bylaw Enforcement for guidance.[1]
  4. Keep receipts and copies of any paid invoices or correspondence, and confirm the file is closed with the enforcement office after payment.
Saving the original notice and payment confirmation avoids later disputes about compliance.

Common Violations

  • Long-term vacancy with dereliction or failure to maintain property and comply with maintenance orders.
  • Unpermitted or unsafe demolition, structural works or building code violations on vacant lots.
  • Accumulation of waste or nuisance conditions on vacant premises creating health or safety risks.

FAQ

How do I find out how much I owe for a vacant property fine?
Check the ticket or order for the fine amount and payment instructions; contact Bylaw Enforcement if the notice lacks clear payment details.[1]
Can I appeal a vacant property fine?
Yes, follow the appeal or dispute procedures printed on the notice; if no procedure is printed, contact the enforcement office promptly for next steps.[1]
Where can I pay if I received a bylaw ticket?
Payment methods are listed on the ticket or bylaw notice and may include online payment, mail, or in-person payment at City Hall; consult the notice and the enforcement contact page for details.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the ticket number and read payment or appeal instructions on the notice.
  2. Contact Bylaw Enforcement if the notice is unclear or missing payment details.[1]
  3. Pay the amount using the method specified on the notice or arrange payment in person as directed.
  4. Keep records and confirm the file is closed with the municipal office.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly on a vacant-property notice to avoid escalation and additional costs.
  • Contact Bylaw Enforcement for unclear notices or to learn appeal timelines.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Bylaw Enforcement

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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.