Burnaby residents, builders and businesses are benefiting from a five-year effort to modernize how development and building applications are processed.
Since launching its Development Approvals Process (DAP) Program in 2021, the City has overhauled how applications are reviewed and approved, expanded digital services and introduced innovative new tools which have vastly improved the efficiency of Burnaby’s approval processes.
The DAP Program represents one of the most significant modernizations of development and building approvals in the province. Through streamlined processes, expanded digital services and innovative technology solutions, the City has created a more efficient approvals system that supports housing delivery, economic growth and community development while maintaining the high standards residents expect.
“Five years ago, we recognized the urgent need to become more efficient and more innovative at City Hall, and we’re very proud of the progress we’ve made so far,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “We’re committed to continuing to improve our service to meet the needs of our growing community.”
The DAP program has delivered measurable results that benefit residents, businesses and builders across Burnaby by reducing delays, improving access to municipal services and helping bring new housing and investment online more quickly:
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Residential building permit review times have been reduced by as much as 85%, with average review times dropping from 21 days to 13 days.
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The City's My Permits Portal has streamlined the permit process by enabling fully digital applications, real-time status tracking and automated updates, saving approximately 1,770 hours of staff time compared to in-person service intakes in 2025 alone.
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Since launching in 2023, Burnaby's Certified Professional Program has accelerated approvals for complex projects, reducing timelines from up to nine months to as little as 20 days while allowing construction to begin sooner through phased permitting.
The program has also positioned Burnaby at the forefront of technology-enabled development approvals. Recent innovations include an AI-assisted zoning compliance tool that helps applicants identify zoning issues before submitting applications, and SHiFT, an interactive planning tool that helps property owners explore housing opportunities on their property under Burnaby's small-scale housing framework. Together, these tools improve access to information, reduce uncertainty and support better applications from the outset.
Burnaby’s success has also attracted significant external recognition and investment. The City has secured more than $1 million in additional provincial and federal funding to support implementation activities and has been recognized as a leader in development approvals modernization, helping inform broader housing and service-delivery improvements across British Columbia.
Learn More: Development Approvals Process