Burnaby says permit reviews are up to 85 per cent faster

Burnaby residents, builders and businesses are benefiting from a five-year modernization of development and building application processing, the City of Burnaby says. Since launching its Development Approvals Process, or DAP, Program in 2021, the City has overhauled reviews and approvals, expanded digital services and introduced new tools.

The City describes the program as one of British Columbia’s most significant development and building-approval modernizations. It says streamlined processes, digital services and technology support housing delivery, economic growth and community development while maintaining expected standards.

Mayor Mike Hurley said the City recognized five years ago that City Hall needed to become more efficient and innovative, and said it will continue improving service for its growing community.

The City says residential building-permit review times have fallen by as much as 85 per cent, with average review times dropping from 21 days to 13 days. Its My Permits Portal enables fully digital applications, real-time status tracking and automated updates, saving about 1,770 staff hours compared with in-person intakes in 2025 alone.

Since 2023, the Certified Professional Program has shortened approvals for complex projects from up to nine months to as little as 20 days and allows earlier construction through phased permitting, the City says. New tools include an AI-assisted zoning-compliance tool to identify issues before submission and SHiFT, an interactive planning tool for property owners exploring housing opportunities under Burnaby’s small-scale housing framework.

Burnaby says it has secured more than $1 million in additional provincial and federal funding for implementation and has been recognized as a leader in approval modernization, helping inform wider housing and service-delivery improvements in British Columbia. More information is available through the Development Approvals Process.