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 all necessary inspections have been completed. As a permit holder, it's your responsibility to arrange for all necessary inspections. Check your issued building permit package for the list of assessments specific to your project. The type of inspections your project needs will vary depending on what your permit is for.
If you're starting a project in Burnaby, you'll find the guides below 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 and commercial building inspection requirements before scheduling an inspection.
Inspections can be booked for the next available business day by calling the inspections line at 604-294-7130 between 8:30 am-3 pm, Monday to Friday.
Select inspections can also be booked online on My Permits Portal if you have an existing account and are the contractor or permit applicant. If you are unable to book your inspection online, please call the inspections line at 604-924-7130 for assistance.
Have the following information ready when booking your inspection:
- 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 Monday to Friday between 8 am-8:30 am.
In-person: For in-person meetings with inspectors arrive at the service counter before 8:30 am.
Booking timeline
If an inspection request is received before 3 pm on a business day (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays), we will endeavor to book the inspection for the next business day. Otherwise, we will notify you if the inspection is booked for a different day.
Inspection fees
Inspection fees are included in the overall permit fees.
An additional fee may apply if:
- the site or building is inaccessible to the inspector
- the inspector finds incomplete work that had been identified on a previous inspection
- further inspection(s) are required to address non-compliance(s)
If the inspector deems a re-inspection fee is required, you must pay the outstanding fee before further inspections on the project can be booked.
For further information or to pay your outstanding fee, please contact the building division at 604-294-7130.
Cancel an inspection
If you need to cancel an inspection, please do so before 3 pm, at least one business day (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays) before your scheduled inspection. Inspections that are cancelled after 8:30 am on the day of the inspection may be subject to a re-inspection fee.
Inspection cancellations can be done via our online My Permits Portal if you have an existing account and are the contractor or permit applicant, or by calling the inspections line at 604-294-7130.
Building permits
You can submit your building permit applications before 4 pm from Monday to Friday for review.