The City of Burlington offers a Property Information Request (PIR) service. A PIR is often a requirement before a property transfer can take place and are typically requested as a result of a possible sale or refinancing of a building or property.
Starting Aug. 1, 2025, the City is making it easier to deal with active building permits or Orders to Comply that may show up in a Property Information Request.
New, Easier Process for Handling Property Information Requests – Summer 2025
If you're planning to buy a home or property, it’s a good idea to submit a Property Information Request from the City. Property reports provide important details about a specific property, including:
- Active building permits
- Active violations or work orders
- The property's zoning designation
For example, if you're purchasing a home, a Property Information Request can tell you whether there are any unfinished renovations that still need final inspections. It helps buyers avoid unexpected issues after taking ownership.
What’s changing:
- You no longer need to apply or pay for a special inspection.
- If an active permit is found, City staff will now contact the property owner directly to explain what’s needed to close it.
- This change removes extra steps and speeds up the process for everyone.
These improvements are part of our ongoing effort to provide better service, reduce delays, and make things easier for residents. We’re committed to helping you get the information you need - quickly and clearly.
Submit a Property Information Request (PIR)
You can submit a Property Information Request (PIR) online.
Submit a Property Information Request (PIR) online
Services and fees
See the different types of requests you can make with different departments, their costs, and how long it takes to receive them. There is an additional administrative fee of $11.50 for each request. HST is already included and ONLY applicable to those items marked by *.
Finance department
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View the requests you can make through the Finance department.
Finance department PIRs
| Type of request | Turnaround time | Cost |
| Tax Certificate |
3 business days |
$70
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| Invoice Verification/Weed Control Act |
3 business days |
$25 |
| Development Charge Payment Verification |
3 business days |
$25 |
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Building department
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View the requests you can make through the Building department.
- Property Report - includes active permits, work orders or violations
- Revised property report - to be requested if a previous property report has been updated.
Building department PIRs
| Type of request | Turnaround time | Cost |
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Property Report: Regular Service
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10 business days
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$104.36
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Property Report: Express Service
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5 business days
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$191.34
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Property Report: Additional Units
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N/A
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$5.57 per additional unit
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Revised Property Report: Regular Service
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10 business days
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$52.19
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Revised Property Report: Express Service
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5 business days
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$75.37
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Planning department
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View the requests you can make through the Planning department.
- Zoning verification letter - includes zoning and permitted uses for the property. (May be required to submit additional information).
- Survey compliance - to verify building/structure location on property. (Survey required).
Planning department PIRs
| Type of request | Turnaround time | Cost |
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Zoning Verification Letter: Regular Service
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10 business days
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$640
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Zoning Verification Letter: Express Service
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5 business days
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$935
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Survey Compliance: Regular Service
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10 business days
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$935
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Survey Compliance: Express Service
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5 business days
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$1,400
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Zoning Verification for Legal Non-Conforming Use
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10 business days
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$910
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Fire department
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View the requests you can make through the Fire department.
Fire department PIRs
| Type of request | Turnaround time | Cost |
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Outstanding Work Orders and Violations
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5 business days
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$124.68*
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Fire inspection of a building one to six storeys
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2 weeks notice must be provided for fire inspections
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$515.26*
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Fire inspection of a building seven to 15 storeys
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2 weeks notice must be provided for fire inspections
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$733.57*
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Fire inspection of a building 16 or more storeys
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2 weeks notice must be provided for fire inspections
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$1,052.49*
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Engineering Services department
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View the requests you can make through the Capital Works department.
Engineering Services department PIRs
| Type of request | Turnaround time | Cost |
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Local Improvement Verification
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Up to 30 business days
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$39.43
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Capital Works Status
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Up to 30 business days
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$102.75
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Reserve Verification
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Up to 30 business days
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$102.75
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Road Allowance (deemed and existing) status
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Up to 30 business days
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$102.75
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Road/portion thereof assumed as public highway
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Up to 30 business days
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$102.75
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Storm sewer services/connection
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Up to 30 business days
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$102.75
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The last five items above can be combined for $154.10.
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Legal department
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View the requests you can make through the Legal department.
Legal department PIRs
| Type of request | Turnaround time | Cost |
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Agreement Compliance/Subdivision Assumption
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10 business days
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$150
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Cemetery Verification
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N/A
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$100
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Property taxes and assessments
Find additional information on property taxes and property assessments when submitting your PIR.