Boulevard Treatment and Maintenance

The public areas bordering the fronts, sides and backs of private properties are important parts of Burnaby’s streetscapes, and their upkeep is a shared responsibility

The City of Burnaby has introduced a Boulevard Treatment and Maintenance Policy to ensure consistent maintenance and treatment of boulevards throughout the community, to guide property owners in their responsibilities for maintaining adjacent boulevards and to explain what is and isn’t allowed in those areas.

What is a boulevard?

Boulevards are the sections of land between private property lines and the street curb or edge of pavement. They normally consist of sidewalks, grass and trees, and infrastructure such as signs, lamp standards and utility poles. In most cases boulevards border the front of a private yard, but they can also border the side if it’s a corner lot, or the back if there is a back lane. Boulevards are public spaces, owned by the City.

What purposes do boulevards serve?

Boulevards meet a number of environmental, health, aesthetic and infrastructure needs. They provide:

• areas where the City can plant trees—crucial to Burnaby’s Climate Action goals
• corridors for sidewalks and other types of pathways, which encourage walking, rolling and cycling
• permeable areas for stormwater drainage
• space for above-ground infrastructure, including streetlights, signs, fire hydrants, bus stops, power poles and mailboxes
• space for below-ground infrastructure, such as water/sanitary/storm mains, hydro and gas lines, and communications and street light conduits

Who is responsible for boulevard upkeep and maintenance?

Boulevard upkeep and maintenance is a shared responsibility between the City, third party utilities and adjacent property owners.

The City is responsible for:

• caring for street trees, including pruning
• maintaining sidewalks and other pathways
• maintaining all City infrastructure
• removing snow and ice in high traffic areas

Property owners are responsible for:

• ensuring boulevards are kept in a safe and tidy condition, meeting the requirements described in the Policy
• mowing and trimming grass and clovers
• keeping sidewalks, pathways and driveways clear of obstructions or tripping hazards
• maintaining clear sightlines for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians
• cutting or pruning trees, hedges and bushes on private property so they don’t interfere with pedestrian travel or other boulevard uses
• maintaining and replacing (if necessary) all connector walkways, stairs, ramps and handrails leading to the property
• removing litter and leaves from sidewalks
• clearing snow and ice, in keeping with Burnaby’s Street and Traffic Bylaw

What treatments can adjacent property owners add to boulevards?

Additional treatments in boulevards, such as flowers, small plants and shrubs, can provide habitat for pollinators, improve streetscapes and enhance the overall appearance of our neighbourhoods. Permitted treatments and standards are described in detail in the Policy and include:

• grass and clover (see Policy for recommended low maintenance blends)
• rocks and bark mulch
• shrubs and small plants (up to 0.6m high)
• stepping stones or connector walkways that are flush with the ground
• planter boxes (back boulevards only)

The following may be allowed, but require the City’s approval:

• driveways
• irrigation systems
• stormwater management facilities

Treatments not allowed in boulevards include:

• artificial turf
• impervious surfaces, like concrete and asphalt
• trees and hedges not planted by the City
• invasive, poisonous and illegal plants
• structures such as retaining walls, fences, staircases or decorative items such as fountains and bird feeders

Other considerations

• The City encourages property owners to use non-polluting electric mowers and trimmers to maintain private yards and boulevards.
• Rocks and bark mulch should be installed over filter fabric to deter the growth of weeds.
• Pesticide use is not allowed on boulevards (unless otherwise permitted under Burnaby’s Pesticide Use Control Bylaw).
• Property owners may propose deviations from the standards laid out in the Policy, and in special cases, the City may grant certain exceptions in a written Encroachment Agreement.