Sign Permit Application Online - Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby, British Columbia requires most freestanding, wall-mounted and temporary signs to have an approved sign permit before installation. This guide explains the online application process, typical documents and approvals, inspection and compliance pathways, and what to do if your sign is non-compliant. It is written for property owners, tenants, sign contractors and businesses operating in Burnaby and reflects official municipal practice current as of May 2026.
What types of signs need a permit
- Wall signs, awnings and fascia signs.
- Freestanding signs, pylon signs and pole signs.
- Temporary signs such as event banners, subject to size and duration rules.
- Digital or illuminated signage, which may have additional technical requirements.
Before you apply
- Confirm zoning and permitted sign types for your property under the City of Burnaby sign regulations.
- Prepare scaled drawings, elevations and site plans showing sign location and dimensions.
- Obtain owner authorization if you are not the registered property owner.
- Check any timing restrictions for temporary signs and event signage.
Applying online
Burnaby accepts sign permit applications through its building and development permit portals or by submission to the Planning/Building intake when required. Typical online applications request applicant contact details, site address, sign drawings, and supporting documents. Fees and processing times vary by sign type and complexity.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of sign rules in Burnaby is carried out by the City s By-law Enforcement and Building Departments, which may issue orders, tickets or require removal of illegal signs. Specific monetary fines and fee schedules are set out in municipal enforcement bylaws and ticketing schedules; if an exact fine amount is not published on the municipal pages consulted, this guide states "not specified on the cited page" and points readers to the municipal contacts below. This section is current as of May 2026.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first offence and repeat/continuing offences - ranges not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary remedies: removal orders, compliance timelines, seizure of signs and court action.
- Enforcer: By-law Enforcement officers and Building Inspectors; complaints accepted via the City s bylaw or building complaint pages.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the order or ticket issued; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences and discretion: permits, variances or written approvals may be considered as defences where local bylaws allow discretion.
Applications & Forms
Where published, the City provides a sign permit application form and checklist via Planning or Building permit portals. If an official form number or fee schedule is not published on the municipal pages consulted, those details are "not specified on the cited page." Applicants should prepare drawings, owner authorization, structural information for large signs, and electrical permits for illuminated signs.
Compliance, inspections and common violations
- Inspection: Building Inspectors may inspect installed signs for structural safety and code compliance.
- Complaints: members of the public can report suspect or unsafe signs to By-law Enforcement.
- Common violations: unpermitted signs, signs exceeding permitted area or height, improper illumination, and signs obstructing sightlines.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit for a temporary banner?
- Most temporary banners on private property require a permit or must conform to time and size limits; check municipal temporary sign rules.
- How long does approval take?
- Typical review times vary by complexity; specific processing times are not specified on the cited page and applicants should allow extra time for variances.
- Who inspects the sign installation?
- Building Inspectors inspect structural and safety aspects; By-law Enforcement handles zoning and permit compliance.
- Can I appeal a removal order?
- Appeal rights depend on the type of order or ticket; the municipal enforcement pages list appeal procedures or contact points.
How-To
- Determine whether your sign type is permitted in your zoning and what approvals are required.
- Prepare drawings, site plans, owner authorization and any structural or electrical documentation.
- Submit the sign permit application online through the City s permit portal or the Planning/Building intake, attaching all documents.
- Pay the application fee and monitor email for requests for additional information.
- Schedule any required inspections after installation and retain the final approval or certificate.
Key Takeaways
- Most signs require a permit in Burnaby; check zoning first.
- Prepare complete drawings and owner authorization to avoid delays.
- Contact By-law Enforcement or Building for complaints, inspections and clarifications.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Burnaby - Bylaws
- City of Burnaby - Building permits
- City of Burnaby - Planning and development
