Industrial Zoning Reference
Burnaby industrial zoning, explained for industrial users.
Burnaby adopted an entirely new zoning bylaw effective July 1, 2026, replacing the 1965 bylaw that governed the city for six decades. The familiar M districts (M1, M2, M3, M5) no longer exist: industrial land now falls under two districts, I1 and E1. If a listing, appraisal or old title document quotes a Burnaby M zone, it is citing a repealed framework and needs to be re-checked against the new bylaw.
The Industrial Zones
Every industrial zone in Burnaby
Industrial uses varying in scale and intensity: manufacturing and processing, distribution and warehousing, contractor services, recycling, research and development, storage and works yards, transportation facilities, wholesale and trade schools, plus compatible supporting commercial and accessory uses.
Heavy industrial and similar uses within I1, subject to siting requirements that minimize nuisance (noise, fumes, dust, odour, vibration) and separate heavy uses from residential, child care and school uses.
Compatible light industrial, commercial and private recreational uses that minimize conflict with neighbouring residential areas: light industrial, office, research and development, health care, artist studios, trade schools and recreation. Limited rental-housing opportunity applies within 200 metres of a SkyTrain station.
Recent changes: The entire zoning framework was rewritten in phases between 2024 and 2026, culminating in Bylaw No. 14815 (adopted June 9, 2026, effective July 1, 2026), which consolidated all former M industrial districts into I1 (with the I1a heavy sub-district) and E1.
What This Means in Practice
Zoning is the first check, not the last.
- Any Burnaby industrial due diligence that references M1, M2, M3 or M5 zoning predates July 2026 and must be re-confirmed against Bylaw 14815.
- A zone listing a use as permitted is the start, not the finish: conditional uses, accessory-use limits, outdoor storage rules and site-specific conditions all live in the schedule fine print.
- Parking and loading are usually governed by a separate parking bylaw or section; a building can be correctly zoned and still fail your trailer or fleet requirements.
- Many individual properties carry site-specific or comprehensive-development zoning instead of a standard code, so always confirm the actual zone on the parcel, not the area around it.
- Confirm current regulations with the municipal planning department before committing; bylaws are amended continuously.
If you are evaluating a building or a site in Burnaby and want a read on whether the zoning actually supports your operation, or which zones to target for a requirement, I do this work as part of every assignment.
This page is a plain-language summary of Burnaby’s industrial zoning prepared by Samuel Brahem, Industrial Sales and Leasing, NAI Commercial (BC) Ltd., for general orientation only. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for the bylaw itself. Zoning bylaws change; always confirm current regulations, permitted uses and site-specific conditions with the official bylaw and the municipal planning department before making decisions. Last verified against the official source on September 14, 2026.