Background
The City of Courtenay is updating its Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw. The last significant update was in 2016, with a minor revision in 2022.
The program includes proposed projects, costs and rates. These updates help ensure DCCs continue to support the cost of growth-related infrastructure in our community.
Where we are now
Draft DCC rates and assist factor presented to Council (June 25)
Developer information session and community open house (July 21)
A joint Development Cost Charges (DCC) and Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) information session was held to provide the development community with an opportunity to learn more and share feedback.
The session included a presentation from Urban Systems and updates on:
- City of Courtenay DCCs
- Comox Valley Regional District DCCs
- Town of Comox DCCs and ACCs
- Village of Cumberland ACCs
Couldn’t attend the session but have input to share?
We’d love to hear from you. Email your comments to planning@courtenay.ca with “DCC feedback” in the subject line to have your voice included before Council’s next review.
Feedback from the session will be shared with Council when the updated bylaw is presented for further consideration on August 27, 2025.
Learn more:
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.
The proposed rates apply city-wide and reflect a 1 per cent Municipal Assist Factor (MAF). DCCs are charged based on development type
| Land use | Unit | Proposed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Low density residential (e.g., single family) | per lot or dwelling unit | $21,337 |
| Medium density residential (e.g., triplex, fourplex, townhouse) | per dwelling unit | $11,986 |
| High density residential (e.g., apartment, detached accessory dwelling unit) | per m2 gross floor area | $137.80 |
| Commercial | per m2 gross floor area | $87.26 |
| Industrial | per m2 gross floor area | $69.16 |
| Institutional | per m2 gross floor area | $16.42 |
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.
