Do You Need a Permit for a Retaining Wall in Burnaby?

The short answer: if your wall is over 1.2 metres high, yes, you need a City of Burnaby building permit before you start construction. Other triggers exist as well — proximity to property lines, adjacent structures, and public right-of-ways can all make a permit necessary even for shorter walls.

A lot of Burnaby homeowners either don't know this or decide to take their chances without a permit. This guide explains the rules clearly, describes what happens if you skip the permit, and tells you what the permit process actually involves — it's less complicated than most people assume.

The 1.2 Metre Rule

The City of Burnaby's Building Bylaw requires a building permit for retaining walls that exceed 1.2 metres in height. This height is measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the finished wall — not from the ground surface.

For most residential retaining walls, 1.2 metres (about 4 feet) is the practical limit before permit requirements kick in. A typical garden terrace wall under 1.0m finished height can usually be built without a permit. A wall retaining a significant grade change on a sloped Burnaby lot almost always exceeds 1.2m.

The 1.2m rule applies to each individual wall. A series of terraced walls that are each under 1.2m but collectively retain a significant slope may still require review if the spacing between walls is insufficient. If you're planning a multi-wall terrace system, it's worth a phone call to the City of Burnaby Development and Building Approvals department to confirm before you build.

Other Permit Triggers

Height isn't the only trigger. Even for walls under 1.2m, a permit may be required in these situations:

Walls within 0.6 metres of a property line. Burnaby has specific setback requirements for retaining structures adjacent to neighbouring properties. A wall right at the property line or within 600mm of it is subject to review regardless of height.

Walls that support a building or structure. If the wall is providing lateral support for a building foundation, a footing, or any other structure, it's structural and needs a permit.

Walls adjacent to a public right-of-way (street, lane, greenway). Any structure adjacent to city property is subject to review and approval.

Walls in designated development permit areas. Parts of Burnaby have additional overlays that trigger design review for exterior works.

If you're unsure whether your wall needs a permit, call the City of Burnaby Development and Building Approvals department (604-294-7400) or talk to us — we navigate this regularly and can give you a clear answer for your specific project.

What the Permit Application Requires

For walls between 1.2m and approximately 1.5m: the City typically requires a site plan (showing the wall location relative to property lines and buildings), a cross-section drawing of the wall construction (showing footing, block type, drainage, and backfill), and a soil description.

For walls over 1.5m or walls with surcharge loading: the City usually requires engineering drawings stamped by a registered professional engineer. The engineer's drawings will include the structural design, reinforcing bar schedule, concrete specifications, and drainage details.

For all permitted walls: a building permit fee (typically $200–$800 for residential retaining wall permits in Burnaby depending on project value) and inspection by a City building inspector at specified hold points (typically footing before concrete is placed, and final inspection on completion).

We handle the permit application process as part of every project that requires one. This includes preparing the site plan, the cross-section drawing, and coordinating with any engineer involved.

What Happens If You Build Without a Permit

Building without a required permit is a bylaw offence under the City of Burnaby Building Bylaw. If the City becomes aware of unpermitted construction — through a complaint, during inspection of another permitted project nearby, or through aerial imagery review — you can face:

A stop work order requiring all work to immediately stop. A requirement to expose completed work for inspection (which may mean demolishing work already done). A requirement to obtain a permit retrospectively, including any engineering that should have been done upfront. A fine under the Building Bylaw. In extreme cases, a requirement to remove the work entirely.

The practical risk that's more likely than an active enforcement action: unpermitted retaining walls become a problem when you sell your property. BC real estate law requires disclosure of known unpermitted work, and buyers (and their lawyers and inspectors) will look for it. An unpermitted retaining wall can delay or kill a property sale or require negotiated price reduction.

Our strong advice: build with a permit when one is required. It's not that expensive, the process isn't that complicated, and it protects your property's value.