Development cost charges (DCCs) are one-time fees that developers pay to help cover the cost of new infrastructure needed for growth.

DCCs are set by the Province of B.C. under the Local Government Act. They can only be used for projects related to growth. They can't be used to repair existing infrastructure or for operating and maintenance costs.

DCCs can help pay for things like:

• roads and transportation
• water and sewer systems
• stormwater drainage
• buying and improving parkland
• fire halls and equipment*
• police buildings*
• solid waste and recycling facilities*

*These services are not included in the current DCC Bylaw update.

DCCs are collected at:

• Subdivision – when creating new single-family lots (low density residential).
• Building permit – when applying to build medium or high density residential, commercial, industrial or institutional developments.

If you submit a development application before the new bylaw is adopted, it may qualify for 12 months of in-stream rate protection.

In-stream protection applies to:

• Subdivision or building permit applications submitted before adoption.
• Rezoning or development permit applications submitted before adoption that result in a building permit within 12 months.

Some developments may be exempt from DCCs:

• Buildings for public worship
• Developments that do not create new capital costs
• Developments where DCCs have already been paid

Council may also vary DCCs for:

• Building permits valued at $50,000 or less*
• Residential units 29 m² or smaller
• Developments with fewer than four units (e.g. duplexes, triplexes)

*Subject to Council approval

Under the Local Government Act, municipalities may adopt a bylaw to waive or reduce DCCs in certain cases — for example, to support affordable rental housing or reduce environmental impacts.

Courtenay’s current bylaw for affordable housing waivers is:

• Development Cost Charge Waiver (Affordable Housing) Bylaw No. 3118

This bylaw is set to expire on June 1, 2027.