Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are fees collected by the City of Courtenay from land developers to help pay for infrastructure and parkland required to support new growth in the community. DCCs may be charged during subdivision approvals or when issuing building permits.
What DCCs Help Fund
- Roads and transportation systems
- Water infrastructure
- Sanitary sewer systems
- Storm drainage
- Parkland acquisition and improvements
When DCCs are collected
- Single-family residential – DCCs are charged at the subdivision stage.
- All other new developments: DCCs are charged when you apply for a building permit.
Who pays DCCs
DCCs apply to most new developments, but there are some exemptions. DCCs are not charged when:
- The building permit is for a non-profit organization that qualifies for a property tax exemption under the Community Charter.
- The construction or alteration work costs less than $50,000.
- The dwelling unit is 29 square metres (312 square feet) or smaller.
- DCCs were already paid for the development, unless new construction increases demand on infrastructure.
How Are DCCs Calculated?
Charges vary by development type and may be calculated:
- Per lot — typically single‑family subdivisions
- Per square metre — used for multi‑family, commercial, institutional projects
- Per hectare — often for industrial developments
Bylaw References
Development Cost Charge Bylaw 2840, 2016 outlines the local charges imposed within the City, including all amendments up to 2025.
Note: 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.
For more information about this project, please visit Development Cost Charges Bylaw update | Engage Comox Valley.
Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) Sewer DCCs
The City also collects regional sewer DCCs on behalf of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD). These costs are imposed under Comox Valley Sewerage Service Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 572, 2019, which applies to both Courtenay and Comox.
Collected funds are remitted to the CVRD monthly Comox Valley Regional District.
Note: CVRD is also updating its DCC bylaw, with rates expected to increase. For the most current rate information, visit comoxvalleyrd.