Burnaby has emerged as the most expensive municipality in Metro Vancouver for residential development fees, with costs soaring to unprecedented levels in 2025. For homeowners and builders, this isn’t just a nuisance-it’s a systemic barrier to affordability. Let’s dissect the driving forces behind these fees, the data justifying the sticker shock, and how industry experts like CoreVal Homes navigate this complex landscape to deliver value without compromising quality.
Burnaby Home Builder Fees Crisis
The 2024 CHBA National Municipal Benchmarking Study (3rd Edition) reveals Burnaby as the national leader in municipal charges, with fees for low-rise developments exceeding the study’s average by $27,500 per unit. For context:
- Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) now add $38,841 per unit to construction costs, a 100% increase from pre-2024 rates.
- A 550 sq. ft. one-bedroom unit now costs $716,897 to build-up from $678,056-with fees accounting for 5.4% of the total.
- Building permit fees for projects over $200,000 start at $3,193 + $13.15 per $1,000 of value, creating a minimum $10,000+ burden for mid-sized homes.
These figures don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re the result of policy shifts, inflationary pressures, and a municipal strategy to offset revenue losses from provincial legislation.
The Fee Breakdown: What’s Driving Costs?
1. Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs): The $38,841 Problem
Introduced in 2024, ACCs fund parks, community centers, and transit infrastructure. While logical in theory, Burnaby’s ACC rates are 2–3× higher than neighboring cities. For example:
- A 56-storey tower project saw fees leap from $30.3M to $63.0M when ACCs and Metro Vancouver DCCs were factored in.
- Developers like Anthem Properties argue ACCs “crush feasibility,” with one project’s cost-per-unit rising by $150,000+.
2. Provincial Legislation Shifts Costs to Burnaby Home Builder Fees
The BC government’s push for densification (e.g., transit-oriented development policies) has forced municipalities to fund infrastructure through developer fees instead of traditional levies. Burnaby’s 2025–2029 Financial Plan explicitly states ACCs and DCCs are necessary to comply with these laws-but with a catch: 1.9% of the city’s new property tax levy directly subsidizes these programs. Translation: taxpayers and builders foot the bill.
3. Permit Fees: A Hidden Tax
Burnaby’s 2025 permit fee structure is a labyrinth:
- Demolition permits: $369–$922.50
- Heating systems: $3.85 per 1,000 BTUs
- Temporary structures: $648.50/year
These “small” fees compound quickly. A mid-sized custom home project with a demolition, new foundation, and HVAC system can incur $15,000+ in permits alone before breaking ground.
The Ripple Effect: How Fees Impact Affordability
Burnaby home builder fees structure isn’t just a developer issue, it’s a housing crisis accelerator:
- Rentals: A 2025 two-bedroom unit now requires $2,900/month to break even, up 12% from 2024.
- First-time buyers: The $716,897 one-bedroom unit demands a $143,379 down payment (20%), pricing out median-income households.
- Small builders: Margin compression forces consolidation, reducing competition and innovation.
Municipal staff defend the fees as necessary for growth, but critics argue the math doesn’t add up. As Canderel’s letter to council warned: “Feasibility grinds to a halt… projects will be abandoned”.
CoreVal Homes, Home Builder Approach
At CoreVal Homes, we treat fee optimization as a science. Here’s how we mitigate Burnaby’s costs for clients:
1. Precision Permitting
Our in-house architectural team streamlines permit applications, avoiding costly revisions. For a recent Coquitlam laneway home, we cut permit delays by 40% by pre-resolving zoning conflicts.
2. ACC/DCC Mitigation Strategies
- Phased construction: Splitting projects into stages to stagger fee payments.
- Utility tie-ins: Using existing water/sewer lines saved one client in connection charges.
- Density bonuses: Leveraging provincial density allowances to offset per-unit fees.
3. Transparent Cost Modeling
Every CoreVal proposal includes a line-item fee breakdown, empowering clients to:
- Compare municipal charges across jurisdictions.
- Identify tax rebates (e.g., BC’s 2025 Affordable Housing Credit).
- Lock in pre-approval rates before fee hikes.
The Path Forward: Advocacy and Adaptation
Burnaby’s fees won’t drop overnight, but smarter policies can help:
- Reform ACC formulas: Tie charges to unit affordability, not blanket per-door rates.
- Exemptions for infill housing: Laneway homes and basement suites shouldn’t bear the same costs as high-rises.
- Public fee audits: The 2024 CHBA study is a start, but real-time dashboards would boost accountability.
Until then, builders must adapt-or exit. CoreVal Homes remains committed to Burnaby, combining three generations of local expertise with relentless advocacy for fairer fees.
Burnaby’s 2025 fee crisis is complex, but not insurmountable. By understanding the drivers, leveraging data, and partnering with experts, homeowners can still achieve their vision-without mortgaging their future.
About CoreVal Homes
A trusted name in Metro Vancouver construction, CoreVal Homes specializes in custom builds, laneway homes, and renovations. With in-house design, permitting, and a 2-5-10 warranty, we turn fee challenges into opportunities. Explore your project’s potential.
FAQs
1. How long does the typical permitting process take in Burnaby?
The permitting timeline in Burnaby can range from 8 to 16 weeks depending on project complexity and completeness of the application. CoreVal Homes expedites this process by managing documentation and proactively addressing municipal feedback, saving clients valuable time.
2. Are there any incentives for building energy-efficient homes in Burnaby?
Yes, Burnaby offers rebates and incentives for energy-efficient construction, including programs aligned with BC’s Step Code. CoreVal Homes integrates sustainable design strategies to maximize these benefits while reducing long-term operating costs.
3. Can CoreVal Homes assist with navigating municipal fees and charges?
Absolutely. CoreVal Homes provides comprehensive cost analysis and strategic planning to help clients understand and minimize municipal fees, ensuring projects remain financially viable despite Burnaby’s high builder fees.
4. What types of homes are most affected by Burnaby’s high builder fees?
High-rise condominiums and multi-family developments generally face the steepest fees due to density-related charges, but single-family homes and infill projects also experience significant cost impacts, especially from ACCs and permit fees.
5. How do Burnaby’s fees compare to other Metro Vancouver municipalities?
Burnaby consistently ranks at the top for municipal charges, often exceeding fees in Vancouver, Richmond, and Surrey by 20-40%. This is largely due to its aggressive infrastructure funding model and amenity cost charges.
People Also Ask
1. What are Development Cost Charges (DCCs) used for in Burnaby?
DCCs fund essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, and storm drainage systems needed to support new developments. These charges ensure growth pays for itself but contribute significantly to overall builder fees.
2. Are there exemptions or reductions available for certain types of developments?
Some exemptions exist for affordable housing projects and non-profit developments, but these are limited and require strict eligibility criteria. Burnaby is exploring expanded exemptions to encourage more diverse housing options.
3. How do municipal fees impact the timeline of a home building project?
High fees can delay project approvals as developers seek financing or redesign plans to maintain feasibility. Additionally, staggered fee payments can extend construction timelines but help manage cash flow.
4. What role does community consultation play in setting builder fees?
Burnaby conducts public consultations before implementing fee changes, aiming to balance infrastructure needs with community impact. However, some stakeholders feel the process favors municipal revenue over affordability.
5. How can homeowners get an accurate estimate of total building costs including fees?
Homeowners should work with experienced builders like CoreVal Homes who provide detailed, transparent cost breakdowns early in the planning phase, including all municipal charges, to avoid surprises and budget overruns.
