Request Development Records - Burnaby Bylaws
In Burnaby, British Columbia, development records and planning files are public records that the city can release under access rules. This guide explains how to request development applications, building permits, planner reports and related correspondence from the City of Burnaby, which office handles requests, typical timelines, and your options for appeal.
What records you can request
Common development records include development application files, supporting studies, building permit documents, public notices, and planner recommendations. Personal information may be redacted under privacy rules.
How to make a request
Start with the City Clerk for formal access requests under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Municipal planning staff and the Building Department also receive file requests for active applications; administrative procedures vary by office.
Typical steps:
- Identify the property address, permit or application number and date range.
- Submit a written request to the City Clerk or the Planning/Building office, including your contact details.
- Wait for acknowledgement; processing times depend on complexity and volume.
- Pay any applicable fees if requested by the city.
The City Clerk publishes the formal FOI application process and the required form online City of Burnaby FOI and access info[1]. For bylaw enforcement inquiries, contact By-law Enforcement for inspection or compliance pathways By-law Enforcement[2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Penalties and enforcement that may be relevant to development records requests arise when compliance with development permits, zoning bylaws, or building permits is at issue. Enforcement actions are carried out by By-law Enforcement and Building Inspections; the City may issue orders, tickets, or prosecute contraventions.
- Monetary fines for bylaw violations: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures are set out in the relevant bylaw or enforcement policy; specific escalation amounts or ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work orders, permits suspension, seizure of unsafe structures, and court action where necessary.
- Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Building Inspections handle inspections and complaints; use the official contact pages in Resources below for complaint submission.
- Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the bylaw or permit type; time limits for appeals are specified in the controlling bylaw or permit decision and are not specified on the cited pages.
- Defences/discretion: official defences include valid permits, variances or a documented reasonable excuse where the enforcement officer or adjudicator has discretion.
Applications & Forms
The City Clerk FOI page includes the formal request form and guidance. For development and building permits there are specific application forms and checklists on the Planning and Building pages; fees and submission methods are listed on those department pages or on the related permit application forms.
FAQ
- How long does a records request take?
- Timing varies by complexity; simple requests may be processed in weeks, complex requests requiring searches or consultations take longer. Specific processing timelines are not specified on the cited FOI page.
- Can I get copies of developer-submitted studies and plans?
- Yes, subject to redaction for personal information or third-party business confidentiality if applicable; third-party consultations may be required.
- Are there fees to get development records?
- Fees may apply for reproduction and administrative time; the FOI page lists the application process and any published fee information see FOI guidance[1].
How-To
- Identify the property or application and gather any reference numbers or dates.
- Contact the Planning or Building office for active files to request immediate access or to inspect file contents.
- If formal access under FOIPPA is required, complete the City Clerk FOI request form and submit per the instructions on the FOI page.
- Pay any required fees or provide clarification if the city requests narrowing of the search scope.
- Receive documents electronically or arrange a time to inspect paper files; if records are refused or redacted, follow the appeal instructions provided with the decision.
Key Takeaways
- Requests must be specific to speed processing.
- City Clerk handles formal FOI access; Planning and Building handle active application file access.
- By-law Enforcement and Building Inspections enforce compliance and handle complaints.
