Sign Permit Fees & Timelines - Burnaby Bylaws

Signs and Advertising British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Burnaby, British Columbia requires sign permits for most new signage, changes to existing signs and some temporary advertising. This guide explains where to find the official sign-permit information, what applicants can expect about fees and review times, how enforcement works, and the key steps to apply or appeal.

Overview

The City of Burnaby administers sign permits through its planning and building services. Requirements depend on sign type, size, location and whether structural work or electrical connections are needed. See the official sign-permit guidance for application checklists and submission instructions City of Burnaby sign permit information[1].

Early consultation with Planning or Building staff saves time.

Typical Fees & Timelines

The City publishes permit-fee schedules and building-permit pathways; specific sign-permit fee amounts and exact standard turnaround times are not specified on the cited pages and may vary by project complexity and valuation. Applicants should consult the building-permit fee schedule and contact staff for exact quotes and expected review dates Burnaby building and permit fees[2].

  • Fees by category: not specified on the cited page; fees may depend on permit type, valuation and inspections.
  • Review timelines: not specified on the cited page; municipal review time varies with application completeness and complexity.
  • Security or deposits: not specified on the cited page; some permits or variances may require securities.

Applications & Forms

The official sign-permit page links the required application form(s), submission checklist, and details on drawings and electrical permits where applicable. If structural or electrical work is involved, a building permit or electrical permit application is also required; applicants should attach drawings, site plans and proof of ownership or authorization when submitting. The city page lists how to submit and where to obtain forms City of Burnaby sign permit information[1].

Complete drawings and a clear site plan reduce review delays.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign-related rules in Burnaby is handled by the city through planning, building and bylaw enforcement channels. Specific monetary fines and daily penalties for sign bylaw violations are not specified on the cited sign-permit and building-permit pages; where figures are absent the official pages are cited and readers should contact the city for exact penalty schedules City of Burnaby sign permit information[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the city for the current penalty schedule.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited page; enforcement may include progressive fines and orders to remediate.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: city powers commonly include stop-work orders, removal orders, seizure of signs, and court actions where necessary.
  • Enforcer and inspection: Planning, Building Inspections and By-law Enforcement are the responsible offices; report non-compliant signs via the city contact pages listed below in Resources.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes and statutory time limits for review are not specified on the cited page; applicants should ask city staff about appeal windows when a notice or order is issued.
  • Defences and discretion: remedies can include obtaining a retroactive permit, variance or demonstrating a reasonable excuse where the city allows discretion.
If served with an order, act promptly to meet timelines for appeal or compliance.

Applications & Forms

If enforcement action is taken, forms for compliance or for requesting a review or variance may be required; the city’s planning or bylaw pages indicate the correct application process or contact points. If a specific enforcement form is not published on the cited pages, contact the department directly for the required documents.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your sign requires a permit by reviewing the City of Burnaby sign-permit guidance and the zoning requirements.
  2. Prepare drawings, site plan, electrical details (if applicable) and owner authorization documentation.
  3. Complete the sign-permit application form and include any structural or electrical permit applications if needed.
  4. Pay the applicable fees as determined by city staff at submission; if fees are not yet published online, request a fee estimate from the city.
  5. Respond to review comments promptly and arrange inspections as required by Building Inspections after installation.
Keep a complete application package to avoid re-submissions and delays.

FAQ

Do all signs need a permit?
Most new permanent signs and many alterations require a permit; some small or temporary signs may be exempt. Check the official sign-permit page for exemptions and definitions City of Burnaby sign permit information[1].
How much does a sign permit cost?
Specific fees are not specified on the cited pages; fees depend on permit type, valuation and any related building or electrical permits. Contact the city for exact amounts Burnaby building and permit fees[2].
How long does review take?
Review times are not specified on the cited pages and can vary by complexity and completeness; applicants should ask staff for an expected timeline when submitting.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the official sign-permit page to confirm requirements and forms.
  • Fees and exact timelines are project-specific; request a fee estimate from the city.
  • Non-compliant signs can lead to orders, removal or court action; respond quickly to enforcement notices.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Sign permit information
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Building permits and inspections

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