Request Business Records and Transaction Logs - Burnaby

Business and Consumer Protection British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Burnaby, British Columbia, businesses, journalists and members of the public can request access to business records, transaction logs, permits and related municipal records held by the City. This guide explains what records are commonly available, how to submit a request, typical timelines under provincial access rules, and which City offices handle production and enforcement. It also summarizes enforcement consequences where bylaw or licensing records reveal noncompliance, and shows practical steps to appeal or follow up on a denied request.

What records you can request

The City maintains a range of records that may be requested where disclosure is permitted by law. Common categories include:

  • Business licences and licence histories, including applications and renewals — see the City business licence information here[2].
  • Transaction logs, payment records and receipts held by City finance or licensing units.
  • Permit records, inspection reports and related correspondence.
  • Bylaw enforcement files, orders and compliance histories.
  • Council minutes, resolutions and related administrative records where not exempt.
Availability depends on exemptions under provincial access law and on third-party privacy considerations.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of business-related bylaws and licensing conditions is handled by the City of Burnaby Bylaw Enforcement and Licensing divisions. The City may issue tickets, orders or seek prosecution when contraventions are found. Specific fine amounts and escalation rules are set in the relevant consolidated bylaws and licence regulations; those specific amounts are not specified on the cited pages listed below.

  • Monetary fines: amounts vary by bylaw; specific figures are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Continuing or repeat offences: subject to escalating enforcement measures as set in each bylaw; details not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, suspension of licences, seizure of unpermitted goods, or court prosecution are possible under the City bylaws.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Bylaw Enforcement and Licensing divisions receive complaints and conduct inspections; contact details are in the Help and Support section below.
  • Appeals and review: procedures and time limits depend on the specific bylaw or licensing regulation and are not specified on the cited pages.
If you face enforcement action, contact the Bylaw Enforcement office promptly to learn appeal deadlines and review rights.

Applications & Forms

Requests for records are normally made through the City’s access-to-information process; the City posts guidance and a request form for records access on its access page here[1]. The page describes how to submit a request and refers to provincial access rules. Where a specific municipal form applies to licence or bylaw matters, the relevant licence or bylaw webpage lists that form; if no municipal form is published for a matter, none is officially specified on the cited pages.

Some records requests may require redaction for personal information under provincial rules.

FAQ

How do I request business records from the City of Burnaby?
Submit an access-to-information request using the City of Burnaby’s access guidance and form; identify specific records, date ranges and formats to help staff locate responsive records. See the Access to Information page here[1].
How long will the City take to respond?
Response timelines follow provincial access rules; typical statutory response periods apply and are described on the City’s access page.
Are there fees to get copies?
Fees or charges for search, preparation and reproduction may apply; specific fee details are not specified on the cited pages and may reference provincial fee schedules.
Who enforces business licence rules?
Bylaw Enforcement and the Licensing office enforce business licence conditions and investigate complaints; contact details are in the Help and Support / Resources section below.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact records you need, including business names, licence numbers and date ranges.
  2. Locate and complete the City’s access-to-information request form or submit a written request following the instructions on the City access page here[1].
  3. Pay any applicable fees or deposits if requested; the City will advise if fees apply.
  4. Wait for the City’s response within the statutory timeframe; ask for status updates via the contact listed on the City access page.
  5. If records are refused or redacted, follow the City’s review and appeal instructions or seek review under the provincial access legislation.

Key Takeaways

  • Use precise identifiers and date ranges to speed searches.
  • Business licence and transaction log requests often go through the City’s access-to-information process.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Access to Information
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Business Licences

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