What Are Development Cost Charges and Amenity Cost Charges in British Columbia?
This answer covers the law of British Columbia.
Development cost charges (DCCs) are levied on new development to pay for new or expanded infrastructure such as sewer, water, drainage, parks, roads, solid waste and recycling, fire protection and police facilities. Municipalities, regional districts and TransLink set them by bylaw, which needs approval of the Inspector of Municipalities.
DCCs are paid at subdivision approval or at building permit issuance. Instalments are available if the charge is $50,000 or more, or if the bylaw allows them for smaller charges. Some developments are exempt, including places of worship, developments with fewer than four self-contained dwelling units unless the bylaw says otherwise, and building permits for work costing $50,000 or less. Local governments may also waive or reduce DCCs for not-for-profit rental housing, supportive living housing and for-profit affordable rental housing.
Amenity cost charges (ACCs), introduced by Bill 46 (2023), are collected from new development that increases population to fund amenities such as community centres, recreation centres, daycares and libraries. How ACCs and instalment terms apply to your project varies by local government and can change, so confirm the current rules before you budget.
Key takeaways
- Development cost charges pay for new or expanded infrastructure and are set by bylaw, which needs approval of the Inspector of Municipalities.
- DCCs are paid at subdivision approval or at building permit issuance, and instalments may be available.
- Statutory exemptions include building permits for work costing $50,000 or less and self-contained units no larger than 29 m².
- Amenity cost charges are collected from new development that increases population to fund amenities such as community centres, recreation centres, daycares and libraries.