Production Parking, Traffic & Bylaw Guide - Burnaby

Events and Special Uses British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Burnaby, British Columbia requires production teams and event organisers to secure permits, provide proof of insurance and follow traffic management rules for activities that occupy streets, sidewalks or public parking. This guide summarises the city process for film shoots, special events and temporary construction-related parking controls, clarifies who enforces the rules, and explains how to apply, appeal or report problems. Follow the listed steps to prepare applications, coordinate with engineering and by-law staff, and reduce the risk of tickets, stop-work orders or vehicle removal.

Permits & Insurance for Productions

Production companies must obtain the appropriate film, parking or road-occupation permits before occupying public spaces. The City of Burnaby publishes permit requirements and an application process for film and photography permits on its official site City of Burnaby Film & Photography Permits[1]. Typical municipal requirements include proof of commercial general liability insurance naming the City as additional insured and an approved traffic management plan when activities affect traffic or parking.

Always check the City permit page and start the application early to allow review time.
  • Film or photography permit application (see official application form).
  • Fees and security deposits as required by the City (fee amounts not specified on the cited page).
  • Traffic management plan and temporary parking restrictions when blocking lanes or using public parking.
  • Certificate of insurance for commercial general liability naming the City of Burnaby as additional insured.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of parking, traffic and street occupation rules is conducted by the City of Burnaby through By-law Enforcement and the Engineering department. Specific fines and penalty amounts for production-related parking or traffic contraventions are not provided on the cited bylaws or permit pages and are therefore not specified on the cited page.[2] The City may also use towing, stop-work orders, or require removal of equipment where unlawful occupation occurs; the City’s enforcement contact is available for complaints and inspections.[3]

If you receive a ticket, follow the appeal instructions on the notice promptly.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence details are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal of obstruction, towing and court action where applicable.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and City Engineering (inspection, complaint, and towing pathways are on the city contact pages).

Applications & Forms

  • Film & Photography Permit application - purpose: authorise filming and use of public spaces; fee: not specified on the cited page; submission: online or as directed on the City page. Apply for a film permit[1].
  • Road or street occupation / traffic control permit - purpose: allow temporary lane closures or parking restrictions; form and fee details: not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

Do productions need to show insurance?
Yes. The City requires proof of commercial general liability insurance naming the City of Burnaby as additional insured; see the film permit page for specifics and submission instructions.[1]
Can I reserve on-street parking for a shoot?
On-street parking restrictions or temporary reserved spaces require a traffic or parking permit and coordination with City Engineering; fees and process details are provided through the City permit pages (fees not specified on the cited page).[1]
What department enforces parking and street occupation rules?
By-law Enforcement and City Engineering enforce contraventions and handle complaints; see the official contact page for reporting and inspection pathways.[3]

How-To

  1. Check the City of Burnaby film and photography permit requirements and documentation list on the official page.[1]
  2. Prepare a certificate of insurance naming the City as additional insured and draft a traffic management plan if your activity affects lanes or parking.
  3. Submit the film permit and any road-occupation or parking permit applications per the City’s instructions and pay applicable fees (fee amounts not specified on the cited page).
  4. Coordinate with City staff during the review period, post required signs or notifications, and comply with any site inspection or conditions imposed by the City.
  5. If fined or issued an order, follow the notice for appeal instructions and contact By-law Enforcement for clarification.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain the correct film, parking and road-occupation permits before production.
  • Provide required insurance naming the City as additional insured.
  • Submit a traffic management plan for any activity that affects lanes or parking.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burnaby Film & Photography Permits
  2. [2] Burnaby Bylaws
  3. [3] By-law Enforcement contact

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