Development Cost Charges (DCCs)

Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are fees collected by the City of Courtenay from developers to help fund the infrastructure needed to support community growth.

DCCs help ensure that new development contributes toward the cost of infrastructure required to serve new residents and businesses.

DCCs are collected at the time of subdivision approval or when a building permit is issued.

What do DCCs fund?

DCCs help fund growth-related infrastructure such as:

  • roads and transportation infrastructure
  • water infrastructure
  • sanitary sewer systems
  • storm drainage systems
  • parkland acquisition and improvements

These infrastructure investments support the City’s ability to accommodate population and employment growth.

When are DCCs collected?

DCCs are generally collected at different stages depending on the type of development.

  • Single-family residential subdivisions: DCCs are charged at the subdivision approval stage.
  • Most other developments: DCCs are charged when a building permit is issued.

Who pays DCCs?

DCCs apply to most new development. However, certain exemptions apply under provincial legislation and City bylaws.

DCCs may not apply when:

  • the building permit is issued to a non-profit organization that qualifies for a property tax exemption under the Community Charter
  • the value of construction or alteration work is less than $50,000
  • the dwelling unit is 29 square metres (312 square feet) or smaller
  • DCCs were previously paid for the development and new construction does not increase infrastructure demand

How are DCCs calculated?

DCCs vary depending on the type and scale of development. Charges may be calculated using different methods, including:

  • per lot (typically for single-family subdivisions)
  • per square metre (commonly used for multi-family, commercial, or institutional developments)
  • per hectare (often applied to industrial development)

Rates are established through the City’s Development Cost Charge Bylaw 2840, 2016 whihc includes all amendments up to 2025. 

DCC bylaw update

The City of Courtenay is currently updating its Development Cost Charges Bylaw.

The last major update occurred in 2016, with a minor revision in 2022. The current update reflects changes in infrastructure planning, growth projections, and provincial legislation.

For updates, background information, and engagement opportunities, visit:

Development Cost Charges Bylaw Update – Engage Comox Valley
https://engagecomoxvalley.ca/courtenay-dcc

Regional sewer DCCs

The City also collects regional sewer DCCs on behalf of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD).

These charges are established under:

Comox Valley Sewerage Service Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 572, 2019

Key details:

  • Applies to development within both Courtenay and Comox
  • Funds regional sewer infrastructure
  • Collected by the City and remitted monthly to the CVRD

More information is available from the Comox Valley Regional District:
https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca

Learn more and stay informed

For the latest updates on development financing work, visit:

Related links

Last updated: