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 |
Before you apply, take the free one. The 10 Most Expensive Permit Mistakes in BC is our free guide to the errors that cost homeowners the most money and the most time. No charge, and you can read it today.
Working out what the job will really cost? The Renovation Budget and Permit Estimator ($9.99) puts permit fees and the rest of the build on one sheet so nothing gets forgotten.