Site Servicing Permits - Burnaby Bylaws Guide

Land Use and Zoning British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia · By Daniel Roy

Burnaby, British Columbia requires site servicing permits or approvals for on-site and off-site utilities, grading, drainage and road connections when development or redevelopment affects municipal infrastructure. This guide summarizes who enforces servicing rules, how to apply, common compliance issues and appeal routes under city practice and municipal bylaws.

What is a site servicing permit?

A site servicing permit typically governs the design and construction of water, sanitary, storm drainage, roadworks, curbs, sidewalks and other municipal servicing needed for a development. The city reviews engineering drawings, issues conditions or servicing agreements, and requires inspections before final acceptance.

When is a permit required?

  • New development or redevelopment that connects to or alters municipal water, sanitary or storm systems.
  • Grading, regrading or drainage changes affecting public rights-of-way or storm infrastructure.
  • Temporary works in the road right-of-way, including driveways, hoarding or crossings.

Applications, technical standards and acceptance requirements are administered by the City of Burnaby Development Services and Engineering divisions. For procedural details and technical checklists see the city development services pages Development Services - Engineering[1] and the building permit guidance Building Permits[2].

Start pre-application consultations early to avoid redesigns during approval.

Typical permit conditions and security

  • Requirement for engineered drawings stamped by a registered professional engineer.
  • Fees, deposits or securities for works in the public realm or for off-site servicing (amounts vary by project).
  • Inspection schedules and hold points before backfill, pavement or final acceptance.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Burnaby and its Bylaw Enforcement and Engineering divisions are responsible for enforcing servicing, road, and utility standards. Enforcement may include compliance orders, stop-work directives and monetary penalties.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see official city enforcement pages for exact figures.
  • Escalation: immediate stop-work orders for unsafe or unauthorized works; escalation procedure and repeat-offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, remediation directions, suspension of permits, refusal of occupancy or final acceptance.
  • Enforcer and complaints: contact Burnaby Development Services and Bylaw Enforcement for inspections and complaints via the city service pages cited above Development Services - Engineering[1].
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the specific bylaw or permit condition; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: discretionary variances or permits may be available through formal application or council process where authorized; details and criteria are set by city policy and engineering standards.
If work affects a public right-of-way, stop until you have written city approval.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes application instructions and checklists for development and servicing approvals on its Development Services pages. Specific form names, form numbers, fees and electronic submission portals are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with Development Services before filing an application Development Services - Engineering[1].

How-To

  1. Consult the city early: book a pre-application meeting with Development Services to review servicing expectations.
  2. Prepare engineering drawings: submit sealed drawings and technical reports addressing water, sanitary, storm, grading and roadworks.
  3. Submit application and fees: follow the submission checklist on the city permit page and provide required securities or bonds if requested.
  4. Permit inspections and acceptance: arrange inspections at hold points; obtain final acceptance before occupancy or site release.
Keep inspection records and stamped drawings on site until final acceptance.

FAQ

Do I need a separate site servicing permit if I already have a building permit?
No, site servicing requirements are often reviewed as part of development and building permit processes but may require separate servicing agreements or municipal approvals depending on scope.
Who inspects and accepts municipal works?
City engineering inspectors typically perform inspections and a final acceptance process is required before securities are released.
What happens if I start work without approval?
Unauthorized work can result in stop-work orders, remediation directions and fines or refusal of final acceptance; specifics are set by city enforcement policies.

Key Takeaways

  • Engage Development Services early to confirm scope and technical requirements.
  • Submit sealed engineering drawings and follow inspection hold points to secure final acceptance.
  • Contact Bylaw Enforcement and Engineering for complaints, inspections and appeal information.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby - Development Services and Engineering guidance
  2. [2] City of Burnaby - Building Permits information

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.