Permits & Applications

Electrical permits for multi-family, commercial and industrial buildings. 

Please note: The Electrical Consent to Construction - Strata Buildings form (linked under additional information below) is required for all stand-alone electrical applications. 

For licensed contractors undertaking installation of electrical general, low voltage and temporary saw service work in new or existing single family, duplex dwellings, row housing, cottage courts or multiplexes. 

For permission to encroach on City right-of-way or property. 

Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Permit applications are made through the City’s Engineering Department and are required to be issued prior to the release of associated construction permits. ESC Permits are commonly associated with but not limited to Engineering Agreements, Building Permits and Soil Deposition/Removal Permits.

Single and two family construction sites do not require an ESC Permit but are required to follow Best Management Practices as outlined in the Sediment Control Measures for Residential Construction Sites guidelines (linked below). 

For more information, please contact Engineering Development Services.

For sprinkler contractors installing sprinkler heads for fire protection.

For installation of forced air heating system.

For gas contractors looking to fit all gas installations. Permits for gas installation of over 409,000 BTU can be obtained from the Provincial Safety Authority.

New! You can now apply for your Gas Permit online by logging into My Permits Portal.

For high-hazard fireworks, including rockets, serpents, shells, bomb-shells, tourbillions, maroons, large wheels, bouquets, barrages, bombardos, waterfalls and mines.

Additional information:

Fees: $106.50 (GST Exempt)

Send completed permit application to [email protected] for processing, or mail directly to the Administration Office (4867 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby, BC  V5E 2S9). 

Payment can be made in the form of cheque only; any payment drop-off must be scheduled in advance through the Fire Administration Office.

To safeguard the public and City assets, the Engineering department will review all aspects of a hoarding and shoring proposal. Please contact us with questions or to book an inspection. 

For permission to temporarily use water from a City fire hydrant. 

For heating contractors installing hydronic heating systems in any self-contained residential unit.

For those needing an exemption to watering time restrictions. You can apply for this permit if you are caring for a new lawn (sod, turf or seed) or treating your lawn for European chafer beetles with the use of nematodes. 

For low-hazard fireworks, including firework showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn light, pin wheel, Roman candles, volcanoes, sparklers, Christmas crackers and caps for toy guns.

Additional information:

Fees: $106.50 (GST Exempt)

Send completed permit application to [email protected] for processing, or mail directly to the Administration Office (4867 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby, BC  V5E 2S9). 

Payment can be made in the form of cheque only; any payment drop-off must be scheduled in advance through the Fire Administration Office.

For any project work in or abutting a street, boulevard, alley, sidewalk, park, terrace, or other property controlled or owned by the City (including right-of-ways). 

This work may include, but is not limited to geotechnical or environmental investigations, installations, repairs, maintenance and investigation of a test pit, monitoring well, borehole, vacuum-hole, minor excavation or any other non-intrusive work on City property.

A complete application should include

• Application form: all sections in the application form are filled out and is signed & dated 
• Cover page: includes detailed contact information, project scope, proposed work dates
• Design drawing of proposed work: includes location address or intersection. Plan view scale at 1:250 for utility congested areas. 
• Pavement restoration plan for small excavations following the City of Burnaby Pavement Restoration Policy. 
• Certificate of insurance: includes City of Burnaby as co-insured and has policy expiry date. Use the City of Burnaby prefilled Certificate of Insurance standards form for basic or sensitive utilities. 
• Traffic control permit: includes permit # (if applicable)

For new buildings or additions to buildings.