Development Approval Process (DAP)

Burnaby is adding new online applications for a selection of Building and Engineering permits. Applying online saves time and can be done from anywhere—register at mypermits.burnaby.ca to get started!

The following permits are now available for online application: 

• Single- and Two-Family Dwelling Engineering Pre-Application
• Ditch Enclosure Permit
• Service Connection Adjustment Application
• Residential Building Permits (New, Addition, Alteration, Other)
• Electrical Permits 
• Gas Permits 
• Plumbing Permits 

Visit mypermits.burnaby.ca to learn more.

Buildings are a significant source of carbon emissions in Burnaby. To help achieve our carbon reduction targets and increase the energy efficiency of buildings, the City has adopted the BC Energy Step Code and is transitioning to net-zero emissions in new buildings.

Effective May 1, all new building permit applications for Part 9 residential buildings, including single- and two-family dwellings, must meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Code. Part 9 residential buildings are considered occupancies that are 3 storeys or less and have a floor area of less than 600 sq. m

All new single- and two-family residential buildings must meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code.

What does this mean for me?

There’s a new permit process for residential building permits for single- and two-family dwellings (see section below). As part of the new process, Engineering pre-approval is now required before you submit your building permit application. 

Applications can be made at the Engineering Department, 4th floor, City Hall. The Engineering pre-application approval is part of the building permit application. Please see the section below to learn more about the new building permit process for single- and two-family dwellings, including what’s required in your application. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about Residential Building Permits, please contact the Building Division at 604-294-7130 or [email protected].  

Our new residential building permit process is live! Now, experts from different City departments are involved at the right times to support applicants and ensure applications are processed more efficiently and accurately. We’ve made 2 key changes to support a faster, simpler and better experience for applicants: 

1. New Engineering Department pre-application stage: This early identification of potential issues or challenges means fewer surprises later. This stage addresses site-level servicing and it also includes early identification of issues related to heritage, archeology, boulevard trees and/or site contamination, as needed.
2. New Application Completeness Checklist: A new user-friendly guide and Application Completeness Checklist provides clear information about what’s required before you submit an application. This will help reduce delays and the number of revisions required during detailed review and help standardize communication with you.

What does this mean for me?

New applicants:

• You’ll need to first obtain the Engineering Department’s pre-application approvals before submitting a building application. 
• Once you’ve received Engineering pre-application approval, you’ll be required to submit a building permit application in person to Building Department.
• We will review and screen it against the Application Completeness Checklist and we'll let you know if you are missing any information or requirements before it proceeds to the next step of plan checker performing an initial zoning check.

If you've already submitted a residential building permit application:

• Our building code engineer will review your application against the Application Completeness Checklist and let you know if you are missing any information or requirements before it can proceed to the next step.

Read the new Application Completeness Checklist requirements. Please review them carefully as you’ll want to ensure you have met all of the requirements. Applications that don’t meet these requirements will not be accepted.

We understand this may be a big change for some of you. Our goal is to create a fair and efficient process that’s and transparent and ultimately, reduce application processing times. We believe these changes will lead to the best possible service for you.

We appreciate your continued support and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to working with you to make the new residential building process a success!

To learn more about the revised process, please visit the New Home Construction webpage.