Burnaby publishes an honest base-plus-per-$1,000 formula that steps down as projects grow. Here it is straight from the 2026 schedule, with a worked example.
Burnaby publishes one of the clearest fee formulas in Metro Vancouver — a base amount plus a per-$1,000 rate that steps down as your project gets bigger. Here it is, straight from the 2026 schedule.
| Construction Value | Building Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $1,000 | $78.00 flat |
| $1,001 – $20,000 | $78.00 + $23.00 per $1,000 over $1,000 |
| $20,001 – $200,000 | $515.00 + $15.60 per $1,000 over $20,000 |
| $200,001 and up | $3,323.00 + $13.70 per $1,000 over $200,000 |
Worked example: a $50,000 renovation = $515 + ($15.60 × 30) = $515 + $468 = $983 building permit fee, plus the application fee below.
On top of that, Burnaby charges an application fee of 20% of the estimated permit fee (minimum $78, maximum $8,619). Development Cost Charges apply to new construction.
New buildings, additions, structural work, suites, decks above grade, demolition, plumbing changes. Electrical and gas are provincial (Technical Safety BC). Burnaby's Development, Permits & Construction division handles building permits.
Typical residential permits run 6–12 weeks from a complete application in a city this busy; larger and multi-family projects take longer, especially with rezoning or development-permit review. As everywhere: the clock starts when your application is deemed complete.
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Development, Permits & Construction | City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 1M2 |
| Web | burnaby.ca → Services & Payments → Development, Permits & Construction |