Our permit system upgrades are now complete. We are committed to creating a faster, simpler and better experience for applicants, and understand that through the transition some applicants may experience response and service delays. Thank you for your continued patience as we strive to improve processing times for development and building permits.
The building division conducts inspections during various phases of a project to ensure that construction conforms to the approved plans, including the applicable codes, regulations and bylaws.
We'll only approve occupancy of a newly constructed building once we've completed all the necessary inspections. As a permit holder, it's your responsibility to arrange for inspections. The type of inspections your project needs will vary depending on what your permit is for—new single-family dwelling or commercial, industrial and multi-family residential projects. Check your building permit package for the list of assessments specific to your project.
Permits and inspection process
If you're starting a project in Burnaby, you'll find the building permits and inspections and permits and inspections for house construction useful. You'll learn about our permit and inspection process for new construction, sign placements, tree bylaws, etc.—especially for single-family and two-family dwellings.
Book an inspection
Ensure you meet all the residential or commercial building inspection requirements before scheduling an inspection.
You can book an inspection by calling us between 8:30 am-3 pm at 604-294-7130, at least 1 day before the required inspection. Have the following information ready:
- contact name and phone number
- date of inspection
- permit number
- site address
- type of inspection
Inspection details
Field inspections occur between 8:30 am-3:30 pm and will depend on the site's location and the time it may take to complete.
Speak with your area inspector
By phone: You can speak with your area inspector—building, plumbing, gas or electrical—by calling 604-294-7130, from Mon-Fri between 8 am-8:30 am.
In-person: For in-person meetings with inspectors arrive at the service counter before 8:30 am.
Building permits
You can submit your building permit applications before 4 pm from Monday to Friday for approval.