Burnaby Business Licence Signage Rules - Bylaw Guide

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

Starting a new business in Burnaby, British Columbia means checking both business licence rules and local sign regulations early in your planning. Signage can affect zoning compliance, building permits, public safety and business licence conditions, so new owners should confirm allowable sizes, locations and permit requirements before ordering signs.

Apply early for sign permits because approval and reviews can take time.

Signage requirements

Burnaby requires that most commercial signs obtain a sign permit and meet zoning and building standards. Typical controls include location relative to property lines, allowable area, height, illumination and requirements for awnings or projecting signs. Signs on arterial roads or within heritage areas may face additional limits. For the official sign-permit application, documentation requirements and technical standards, consult the city sign permit page Signs & Awnings - City of Burnaby[2].

  • Permit required for most permanent and many temporary commercial signs.
  • Setback, height and area limits depend on zoning and frontage.
  • Structural or illuminated signs may need a building permit and electrical inspections.
  • Signs in the public right-of-way or on street furniture often require a separate encroachment or right-of-way permit.

Permits, technical drawings and approvals

Applications generally need scaled drawings, dimensions, materials, mounting details and, for illuminated signs, electrical schematics. Depending on location, the planning department may require conformity with a development permit or design guidelines. Exact submission checklists and any required fees are on the city sign permit page cited above [2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign and business licence rules is handled by the City of Burnaby bylaw and licensing teams. Specific monetary fines, escalation for repeat or continuing offences, and administrative penalties for signage are not specified on the cited page; consult the city for detailed penalty schedules. The official business licence and bylaw pages note that noncompliant signs may be ordered removed and that owners can be charged for removal and compliance costs. For authoritative enforcement contacts and general licence conditions see the City of Burnaby business licence information Business licences - City of Burnaby[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, compliance orders and recovery of removal costs are referenced.
  • Enforcer: City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement and Licensing departments; complaints and inspection requests are handled through official city channels.
If you receive a removal or compliance order act quickly to avoid additional charges or escalation.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes a sign-permit application and checklist on its Signs & Awnings web page; specific form names or fee schedules are provided on that page. If a precise application form number or published fee is needed and not shown here, it is not specified on the cited page and you should follow the instructions on the city sign permit web page [2].

FAQ

Do I need a business licence to put up a sign for my new Burnaby business?
Yes, you must hold a valid City of Burnaby business licence when operating, and most signage also requires a separate sign permit; check both licence and sign-permit requirements.
How long does a sign-permit review usually take?
Processing times vary by complexity and the need for building or electrical permits; the city sign-permit page has current guidance.
Can I appeal a removal or compliance order?
Appeal or review routes are administered by the city; specific timelines and appeal steps are not specified on the cited pages and you should contact the City of Burnaby licensing or bylaw office for details.

How-To

  1. Confirm your property zoning and permitted sign types before designing the sign.
  2. Prepare drawings, dimensions and technical details required for the sign-permit application.
  3. Submit the sign-permit application and any required building or electrical permit applications to the city.
  4. Allow for inspections and address any compliance conditions set by the city.
  5. Maintain your business licence and respond promptly to any enforcement notices.

Key Takeaways

  • Most commercial signs require a sign permit and may also need building or electrical permits.
  • Start the permit process early to avoid delays in opening.
  • Noncompliance can lead to removal orders and cost recovery by the city.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Business licences
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Signs & Awnings

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