Homeowners in Burnaby planning a new deck or major deck renovation will need a building permit for most projects. Here’s what you need to know before you start — including what triggers the requirement and how the City of Burnaby processes permit applications.
When Is a Permit Required in Burnaby?
The City of Burnaby requires a building permit for most deck construction, including:
- Any new deck attached to a house
- Decks 600mm (approximately 2 feet) or more above grade
- Structural changes or additions to an existing deck
- Decks above minimum square footage thresholds
Small, detached ground-level platforms may qualify for exemption — but verify with Burnaby’s Development Services before proceeding without a permit.
Burnaby’s Permit Process
Burnaby’s Development Services department is located at 4949 Canada Way. Applications require site plans, structural drawings, and material specifications. The permit fee is calculated based on construction value.
Burnaby’s hillside neighbourhoods — Burnaby Mountain, Capitol Hill, Sullivan Heights — often have additional site considerations like slope setbacks and engineered foundation requirements. VS Deck & Rail handles permit submissions for all Burnaby projects, including elevated decks on hillside lots that require engineer-stamped drawings.
Why Not Skip the Permit?
Unpermitted decks in Burnaby create real problems:
- Resale: Real estate lawyers and home inspectors flag unpermitted structures. Buyers can demand removal or legalization before closing.
- Stop-work orders: The City can require you to tear down unpermitted work.
- Insurance: Home insurance policies may exclude liability or damage claims related to unpermitted structures.
- Safety: The inspection process catches structural issues — failing footings, inadequate ledger connections — before they become a liability.
Material Choices for Burnaby Decks
For Burnaby’s wet climate and the elevated lots common in hillside areas, durable materials are the right investment. Composite deck installation requires no annual maintenance and performs exceptionally well on elevated decks where wood is most exposed to moisture. Cedar deck installation is a time-tested option for Burnaby homeowners who prefer the natural look and are committed to proper maintenance.
VS Deck & Rail builds decks throughout Burnaby — Metrotown, Lougheed, Edmonds, Capitol Hill, and all hillside areas. We handle design, permit, construction, and final inspection.
Get a Free On-Site Estimate From VS Deck & Rail
VS Deck & Rail serves Delta (Tsawwassen & Ladner), Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Burnaby, Vancouver, and North Vancouver. We’re certified TimberTech composite installers and authorized Duradek waterproofing applicators — HAVAN member, BBB accredited, WorkSafe BC compliant.
Call us at (844) 757-3325 or visit vsdeck.ca to book your free on-site estimate.
