Happy New Year from CoreVal Homes! As 2026 begins, one of the most consequential updates for builders and homeowners in Burnaby is already in effect: the city’s building permit fees have officially risen across all residential project categories. While the percentage changes may seem moderate, the revised structure has deeper implications for timelines, design strategies, and project financing.
Our team recently processed a final batch of 2025 permits just hours before the new rates came into effect — giving us a front-row view of how subtle administrative changes translate into material financial impact. Based on that experience, this guide distills both the data and the real-world implications of Burnaby’s 2026 permit fee policy.
Burnaby Building Permit Fees 2026 Updates
Burnaby’s updated fee system, approved in late 2025 after public consultation, aligns with the city’s multi-year infrastructure and sustainability funding plan. The changes primarily target inflation recovery, staffing costs tied to inspection backlogs, and updated compliance procedures under the BC Building Code 2024. Any residential permit application submitted on or after January 1, 2026, follows the new structure.
2026 Building Permit Fee Examples
Burnaby’s permit framework combines base application fees, plan review charges, inspection costs, and deposits. Together, they represent one of the most substantial “soft cost” components of any residential project.
| Project Type | Estimated Construction Value | 2026 Permit Fee Range | Deposit (20%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard Studio | $150,000 | $1,800 – $2,200 | $360 – $440 |
| Laneway Home | $300,000 | $4,200 – $4,800 | $840 – $960 |
| Duplex Conversion | $500,000 | $6,800 – $7,500 | $1,360 – $1,500 |
| Custom Home | $800,000 | $10,500 – $11,500 | $2,100 – $2,300 |
Deposit Requirement: 20% of the total permit fee payable at submission.
Impact on 2026 Project Budgets
The 2026 permit adjustment may look minor numerically, but its ripple effect through a construction budget is significant. Total project costs across Burnaby have risen an average of 2–8% compared to 2025 — and that’s before accounting for higher consultant and inspection-related expenses. A typical 700 sq. ft. laneway home now incurs about $29,500 in cumulative permit and inspection fees, roughly $1,850 more than the previous year.
The key drivers behind these increases go beyond inflation. The city has incorporated new sustainability review fees tied to the Step Code, mandatory energy model checks, and enhanced documentation for environmental compliance. In practical terms, every new application involves more administrative review time and additional consultant coordination — all of which add hidden costs to timelines and cash flow.
For duplex projects and custom homes, the impact is even sharper. Soft costs now make up nearly 12–15% of total build value. A $500,000 duplex may face $60,000+ in non-construction fees once DCCs, plan review charges, and environmental levies are included. Larger custom builds approaching the million-dollar mark can easily exceed $70,000 in related fees. Builders who understand these cumulative costs can better stage financing and avoid mid-project overruns.
Featured Insight
CoreVal Homes’ perspective: This year’s increases represent a pivotal moment for Burnaby’s builders and homeowners. The city is signaling a long-term trend toward full cost recovery and greener compliance standards rather than short-term inflationary adjustment. That means builders who ignore soft costs in their early planning risk underpricing or overextending their projects.
Conversely, teams that integrate precise fee forecasting, energy modeling, and staged permit submissions will achieve faster approvals and cost stability. In our experience, strategic pre-construction budgeting can save between $3,000 – $5,000 per project and trim weeks off approval timelines — proving that expertise at the application stage is just as valuable as craftsmanship on-site.How to Navigate Burnaby Building Permit Fees Structure in 2026
- Allocate 10–15% of your budget to soft costs — including permits, inspections, and DCCs — as part of total project forecasting.
- Engage a local builder early. Experience with Burnaby’s building department is crucial for reducing re-inspection delays and compliance issues.
- Optimize design and declared construction values to remain under key municipal thresholds that trigger higher inspection or DCC fees.
- Consider green program exemptions. Affordable housing, adaptive reuse, and Step Code–compliant projects may qualify for partial waivers.
Ready to Start Your Burnaby Build?
CoreVal Homes specializes in custom home builds, laneway homes, and duplex developments across Metro Vancouver. Our permit specialists streamline applications, mitigate delays, and maximize cost efficiency under Burnaby’s evolving fee framework.
Get Your Free Consultation →Official References
- City of Burnaby — Building Department
- Metro Vancouver — Regional DCC Programs
- BC Building Code 2024 — Energy Step Code
About CoreVal Homes: CoreVal Homes is a Vancouver-based builder specialising in laneway homes, duplexes, and high-performance custom homes throughout Metro Vancouver. Our team combines precision construction with smart permit strategy to help homeowners navigate the real costs of building in Burnaby. Learn more at CoreVal Homes Burnaby.
Burnaby Building Permit FAQs for 2026
- What is the demolition permit fee in Burnaby for 2026? Demolition permits cost $383 for single/two-family dwellings, $90 for accessory structures, and $958 for larger principal buildings — with potential additional frontage costs.
- How much is a temporary building permit in 2026? Temporary structure permits cost $673 per year from issuance, applying to construction trailers, site offices, or seasonal installations.
- Do registered engineer certifications reduce permit costs? Yes. Applications reviewed with professional engineer certification receive a 2.5% discount (up to $571), provided the Certificate of Registered Professional is submitted.
- What are the extension fees for building permits? Extensions cost $251 for the first, $376 for the second, $501 for the third, and $626 thereafter — essential if your project experiences delays.
- Can CoreVal Homes handle the permit process? Absolutely. CoreVal Homes offers end-to-end Burnaby permit support, including document preparation, cost optimization, and schedule coordination.
People Also Ask
- Does Burnaby require a permit for swimming pools? Yes. Pool installations need a $220 base permit, scaling to $5,634 depending on size. All pools must comply with BC Building Code safety barriers.
- What does a garage or carport permit cost? These permits start around $220, scaling by construction value. Re-inspection charges are $229 per failure beyond the first.
- Does Burnaby charge for forced-air heating system installations? Yes — approximately $4 per 1,000 BTUs (minimum 50,000 BTUs), covering both rough-in and final inspections.
- How do revision fees affect costs? First two revisions are free; the third is $145, the fourth $290, and additional ones $580. Post-permit revisions billed hourly at $145 per two-hour minimum.
- Can CoreVal assist with full permit packages? Yes, CoreVal Homes manages complete permit and inspection submissions for new builds and duplex conversions across Burnaby.
Planning Your Burnaby Build?
Partner with CoreVal Homes — Metro Vancouver’s specialists in laneway homes, duplex conversions, and custom builds. Our team handles everything from cost projections to final occupancy, helping you avoid delays and stay within budget in 2026’s changing permit landscape.
Get Your Free Consultation →Tags: Burnaby building permit fees 2026, laneway home Burnaby, duplex conversion costs, custom home permit Burnaby, BC Building Code updates, permit fee increases Burnaby.