Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Burnaby
A step-by-step guide to accessing building plans and property records through Burnaby's FOI process.
Date Published: April 13, 2026
If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in Burnaby, BC, obtaining the original building drawings on file with the City is a vital step. The City handles formal access requests under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), with a process that starts by checking whether records can be released routinely first. This guide walks you through the practical steps.
Official City of Burnaby Resources
This guide is based on Burnaby's official access to information page, then organized into a practical step-by-step process.
- Primary source: City of Burnaby Access to Information
- Key links: Submit formal or personal information request online, List of routinely available documents (PDF), and City contact page
- Legislation and bylaws: FIPPA, Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 14485 (PDF), and Freedom of Information Bylaw 1995 No. 10183 (PDF)
Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Burnaby - Step by Step
- 1Check Routine Release
- 2Contact Department or Archives
- 3Talk to FOI Staff
- 4Submit Written Request
- 5Review Fees and ID Rules
Step 1 - Confirm If Information Is Already Routinely Available
Burnaby states that most records can be accessed through normal departmental requests without using FIPPA. Start by checking routinely releasable documents and contacting the originating department first.
- Routinely available documents: View list (PDF)
- Department directory: Contact us page
Step 2 - Contact the Department or Archives
Records from the last 7 years are generally handled by the originating City department. Older and inactive records are typically managed by the City of Burnaby Archives.
- Archives email: archives@burnaby.ca
- Archives phone: (604) 294-7944
- Archives records portal: heritageburnaby.ca
Step 3 - Contact Legislative Services FOI Before Filing
If the records cannot be obtained through routine release or the archives, contact Legislative Services first. FOI staff can help narrow your request scope and time frame before formal submission.
- Email: FOI@burnaby.ca
- Phone: (604) 294-7290
Step 4 - Submit a Formal or Personal Information Request
Formal requests must be in writing and should include enough detail to help staff locate records efficiently. Submit through the City's online form or by email and mail if needed.
- Online request form: Submit formal or personal information request
- Email submission: FOI@burnaby.ca
- Mailing address: Legislative Services, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby BC V5G 1M2
Step 5 - Review Fees and Processing Rules
Effective January 1, 2024, Burnaby applies a non-refundable application fee for general FOI requests. Additional processing fees may apply under FIPPA and City bylaws.
- General FOI application fee: $10.00 non-refundable
- Personal information requests: No $10 application fee when requesting your own personal information
- Additional fees: The City may provide a written estimate before processing where prescribed charges apply
- Identity verification: Government-issued photo ID is required for personal information requests
Important Routing Notes
Some requests are outside City custody and should be directed to other agencies.
- Land title records: Land Title and Survey Authority
- Transit records: TransLink FOI or Transit Police Information Management
Burnaby Building Records Request Summary
A quick checklist of the request flow, where to submit, and what to prepare.
| Step | What to Do | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Routine Release Check | Review routinely available records first and contact the relevant City department. | Routinely Available Documents |
| 2. Department or Archives | For older or inactive files, contact Burnaby Archives and verify record availability. | Burnaby Archives Portal |
| 3. FOI Pre-Contact | Contact Legislative Services FOI to narrow scope and improve processing speed. | FOI@burnaby.ca |
| 4. Formal Submission | Submit a written general or personal information request with clear file details. | Online FOI Request Form |
| 5. Fees and Verification | General FOI has a $10 non-refundable fee; personal information requests require ID verification. | FIPPA |
No Drawings on File? Request a Comfort Letter
If the City cannot locate original drawings for your property, you can request a Comfort Letter from the City of Burnaby. This letter documents the permit and file history on record and is commonly used by law firms and property owners when drawings are unavailable before a renovation or sale.
Burnaby does not publish a dedicated comfort letter request form or process page. Contact the Building Department directly to ask about availability and current fees.
- Email: building@burnaby.ca
- Phone: (604) 294-7450
- In person: City Hall, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC
If no drawings exist and a comfort letter is not sufficient for your project, Canadian Blueprint can accurately reconstruct your floor plans so your renovation or addition can move forward with confidence. See As-Built Measuring for more information.
Need Help Reading or Using the Drawings?
Once you have obtained your original building drawings from the City of Burnaby, a professional designer can help you interpret them, identify any discrepancies with the current as-built condition, and prepare updated permit drawings for your renovation or addition.
Contact Canadian Blueprint - we work with Burnaby homeowners and contractors regularly and understand the local permit and documentation requirements inside and out.