---
title: "Burnaby building permits: when you need one and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?"
place: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/burnaby
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Burnaby
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit.json"
---

# Burnaby building permits: when you need one and how to apply

**Question:** Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?

**Short answer:** In Burnaby you need a City building permit to build, enlarge, alter, remove or demolish a building or structure, including accessory buildings. Minor work such as painting or replacing flooring, fences, and accessory buildings under 10 m² that create no hazard do not need one. Apply online through My Permits Portal.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Burnaby, https://www.burnaby.ca)  
**Cost:** Based on the value of construction, plus an application fee of 20% of the estimated permit fee. See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** The City does not state a time for reviewing a permit application.  
**Where:**
- Online: My Permits Portal, https://mypermits.burnaby.ca/energov_prd/SelfService/
- In person: City Hall, Building Department (restoration and commercial tenant improvement permits), 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 1M2 (Front counter hours listed by the City are Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Phone: Building Department, 604-294-7130
- Email: Building permits, permits@burnaby.ca

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** Any construction that excavates, erects, enlarges, alters, removes, repairs after fire or demolishes a building or structure, including accessory and temporary buildings. The bylaw also requires a permit for a masonry fireplace, wood burning appliance or chimney, and for a forced air heating system in a home.
  - Source: [Home Improvement Permits, Home Improvement Permits page, "When do you need a permit?"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
  - Official wording: "Any construction project that includes the excavation, erection, enlargement, alteration, removal, fire repair or demolition of any building or structure including accessory and temporary buildings requires a permit."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 2016, No. 13658 (consolidated PDF), s. 9(1)](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The owner shall apply for and obtain a permit:" … "prior to the construction of a building or structure, or part thereof;" … "prior to the construction of a masonry fireplace or the installation of a wood" … "prior to the installation of a forced air heating system in a single-family dwelling,"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Not needed for:** Minor works such as replacing fixtures, cabinets and flooring, painting inside, or minor non-structural exterior repairs. Fences and screening walls need no building permit; retaining walls over 1.2 m (and some others) do. Accessory buildings under 10 m² that create no hazard are exempt from the BC Building Code, so the Building Bylaw does not apply to them.
  - Source: [Home Improvement Permits, Home Improvement Permits page, "When do you need a permit?"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
  - Official wording: "Minor works such a replacing fixtures, cabinet and flooring, painting the inside of your home or doing minor non-structural repairs to the outside of your home do not need a permit."
  - Source: [Fences and Retaining Walls Informational Guide, Fences and Retaining Walls guide, "Permit and Inspection"](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2021-08/Fences-and-Retaining-Walls-Informational-Guide.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Building Permits are not required for the construction of fences and screening walls." … "greater than 1.2 m (3.94 ft.) in height; or"
  - Source: [BC Building Code 2024, Province of BC, BC Building Code 2024, Division A, s. 1.1.1.1(2)(e)](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/construction-industry/building-codes-and-standards/revisions-and-mo/bcbc_2024_web_version_revision2.pdf)
  - Official wording: "accessory buildings less than 10 m2 in building area that do not create a hazard," … "This Code does not apply to the following:"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Online through the My Permits Portal for all residential and new commercial building permits; paper applications are no longer accepted. Restoration (fire or flood repair) and commercial tenant improvement permits are applied for in person at City Hall.
  - Source: [General Building Information, General Building Information page, "Online Applications"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/general-building-information)
  - Official wording: "All Residential Building Permit applications and new Commercial Building Permit applications must be submitted online through the My Permits Portal" … "Restoration and commercial tenant improvement permit applications are excluded and must be applied for in-person at City Hall." … "Paper applications are no longer accepted."
  - Source: [Home Improvement Permits, Home Improvement Permits page](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
  - Official wording: "Applications for alteration or addition permits are made online via My Permits Portal, while restoration permit applications must be submitted in person."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **What to submit:** For a home addition or alteration in R1: Schedule F Owners Undertaking signed by the owner, Agent Authorization if not the owner, restrictive covenants, architectural drawings, structural drawings with Letter of Assurance if structure changes, Land Title search, records of existing City permits, and the non-refundable application fee.
  - Source: [Building Permit Application Requirements for Home Improvements in the R1 Zoning District, Building Permit Application Requirements for Home Improvements in the R1 Zoning District, "Application Requirements"](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2026-09/Building-Permit-Application-Requirements-for-Home-Improvements-in-R1-District.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Schedule "F" Owners Undertaking signed by the property's registered owner" … "Architectural drawings." … "Non-refundable application fee." … "Land Title Search" … "Records of existing City of Burnaby permits and drawings."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 2016, No. 13658 (consolidated PDF), s. 9(2)](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf)
  - Official wording: "be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgement of responsibility and"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The City's pages do not state how long review takes.
- **Inspections:** Call the inspections line at 604-294-7130 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to book for the next available business day; some inspections can be booked online in My Permits Portal. The bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice.
  - Source: [General Building Information, General Building Information page, "Inspection bookings"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/general-building-information)
  - Official wording: "Inspections can be booked by calling the inspections line at 604-294-7130 between 8:30 am-3 pm for the next available business day." … "Select inspections can also be booked online on My Permits Portal."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 2016, No. 13658 (consolidated PDF), s. 21(1)](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf)
  - Official wording: "shall give not less than 24 hours' notice to the City when requesting an inspection"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Contact:** Building Division: 604-294-7130, building@burnaby.ca (general inquiries) or permits@burnaby.ca (building permits).
  - Source: [Secondary Suite Program, Secondary Suite Program page, "Have questions?"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/secondary-suite-program)
  - Official wording: "Building General Inquiries building@burnaby.ca Phone 604-294-7130"
  - Source: [Laneway Homes, Laneway Homes page, "Have questions?"](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/laneway-homes)
  - Official wording: "Building Permits permits@burnaby.ca Phone 604-294-7130"
  - Source: [General Building Information, General Building Information page](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/general-building-information)
  - Official wording: "please contact the Building Division at 604-294-7130."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Burnaby Building Bylaw 2016, Bylaw No. 13658
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 2016, No. 13658 (consolidated PDF), title page](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Burnaby Building Bylaw 2016 Bylaw No. 13658"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The [Building Bylaw 2016 (No. 13658)](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf) requires the owner to get a permit before building a structure or any part of one. The City says this covers any work that excavates, erects, enlarges, alters, removes, repairs after fire or demolishes a building or structure, including accessory and temporary buildings. The bylaw also requires a permit for a masonry fireplace, wood burning appliance or chimney, and for a forced air heating system in a home.

No permit is needed for minor work such as replacing fixtures, cabinets and flooring, painting inside, or minor non-structural repairs outside. Fences and screening walls need none, but retaining walls over 1.2 m (and some others) do. The bylaw does not apply to buildings the BC Building Code exempts, which includes accessory buildings under 10 m² that create no hazard. Call the Building Department if you are unsure.

## Steps

1. Confirm what you need. Since July 1, 2026 a Development Permit may be needed before a Building Permit can be submitted or issued for some projects, so check the City's Home Improvement Permits page.
2. Apply online through My Permits Portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted for residential and new commercial permits.
3. For a home addition or alteration in R1, include the signed Schedule F Owners Undertaking, an Agent Authorization if you are not the owner, restrictive covenants, architectural drawings, structural drawings with a Letter of Assurance if the structure changes, a Land Title search, records of existing City permits, and the non-refundable application fee.
4. Pay the fees. The permit is issued digitally once all fees are paid.
5. Book inspections by calling 604-294-7130 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the next available business day. Some can be booked in My Permits Portal. The bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice.

## Good to know

- Restoration (fire or flood repair) and commercial tenant improvement permits are applied for in person at City Hall.
- Other project types, such as new houses and commercial work, have their own checklists on the City's pages.
- The City's pages do not state how long review takes.

## Official forms and pages

- [Home Improvement Permits](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits)
- [General Building Information](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/general-building-information)
- [Building Permit Application Requirements for Home Improvements in the R1 District (PDF)](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2026-09/Building-Permit-Application-Requirements-for-Home-Improvements-in-R1-District.pdf)
- [My Permits Portal Help Centre](https://help.burnaby.ca/CSS/index.html)
- [Building Bylaw 13658 (consolidated PDF)](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Burnaby permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Burnaby fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/fence-rules.md)
- [Burnaby building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit-fees.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/building-permit.md)
- [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/building-permit.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/building-permit.md)
- [Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/building-permit.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Home Improvement Permits, City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/home-improvement-permits) (read 2026-11-05)
- [General Building Information, City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/general-building-information) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Bylaw 2016, No. 13658 (consolidated PDF), City of Burnaby](https://bylaws.burnaby.ca/media/Consolidated/13658CC.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Permit Application Requirements for Home Improvements in the R1 Zoning District (PDF), City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2026-09/Building-Permit-Application-Requirements-for-Home-Improvements-in-R1-District.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fences and Retaining Walls Informational Guide (PDF), City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2021-08/Fences-and-Retaining-Walls-Informational-Guide.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [BC Building Code 2024 (PDF), Province of BC](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/construction-industry/building-codes-and-standards/revisions-and-mo/bcbc_2024_web_version_revision2.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Secondary Suite Program, City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/secondary-suite-program) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Laneway Homes, City of Burnaby](https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/development-permits-construction/laneway-homes) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Burnaby. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit/_