Background
The Town of Comox (Town) is in the process of updating its Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw and introducing an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Bylaw. The Town last updated its DCC program in 2016 and does not currently have an ACC program in place. To date, the Town has prepared materials for both programs, including proposed projects, costs, and rates.
Where We Are Today
June 4, 2025 – The DCC and ACC draft rates were presented to Council.
Next Steps
A Joint DCC and ACC Information Session for the development community will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, between 12-2 PM at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay. The Information Session will include details on the following proposed bylaw updates in the Comox Valley:
- City of Courtenay DCCs;
- Comox Valley Regional District DCCs;
- Town of Comox DCCs and ACCs; and
- Village of Cumberland ACCs.
Feedback received during the Information Session will be included when presenting the DCC and ACC Bylaws to Council for further consideration.
Please register for this session on Eventbrite : Joint Regional DCC + ACC Developer Information Session Tickets, Mon, Jul 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
For any questions on registration, please contact engineeringservices@comoxvalleyrd.ca
Development Cost Charges (DCCs)
DCCs are one-time fees collected to help communities recover the costs of off-site infrastructure needed for growth. They are based on the principle of cost-sharing infrastructure between existing taxpayers and new development. They are a Provincially regulated tool; the Local Government Act sets out the general requirements under which local governments may administer DCC programs. Funds generated through DCCs are intended for one-time capital costs and are only applied to growth-driven projects. Funds cannot be used for projects needed to address existing deficiencies or for operations and maintenance costs.
DCCs can be used to fund capital costs (planning, engineering, design, legal, studies) for:
- Transportation services
- Water services
- Drainage services
- Sewer services
- Parkland acquisition and improvements
- Fire protection facilities
- Police facilities
- Solid waste and recycling facilities
- Both the DCCs and ACCs will be applied Town-wide.
Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs)
ACCs are one-time fees collected by local governments to help recover the costs of amenities that provide social, cultural, heritage, recreational, or environmental benefits to a community. Much like DCCs, they are a development finance tool in the Local Government Act for one-time capital costs and are only applied to growth-driven projects. Funds cannot be used for projects needed to address existing deficiencies or for operations and maintenance costs.
ACCs can pay for the following amenities, among others:
- Community, youth, or seniors’ centre
- Recreation or athletic facility
- Library
- Daycare facility
- Public square
*Note: ACCs cannot be used for projects otherwise eligible for DCCs.
Proposed DCC and ACC Rates
DCCs and ACCs are levied on a per lot basis for Low Density Residential, on a per unit basis for Medium Density Residential, and on a per square metre of gross floor area (GFA) basis for High Density Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional development.
The proposed rates reflect a 1% Municipal Assist Factor (MAF).
| Land Use | Unit | Proposed DCC Rate (1% MAF) | Proposed ACC Rate (1% MAF) | Total Rate (DCC + ACC) |
Low Density Residential (e.g., single family) | per lot or dwelling unit | $30,792 | $9,991 | $40,783 |
Medium Density Residential (e.g., triplex, fourplex, townhouse) | per dwelling unit | $14,466 | $4,671 | $19,137 |
| High Density Residential (e.g., apartment, detached accessory dwelling unit) | per m2 gross floor area | $160.49 | $55.58 | $216.07 |
| Commercial | per m2 gross floor area | $47.65 | $0.00 | $47.65 |
| Industrial | per m2 gross floor area | $68.09 | $0.00 | $68.09 |
| Institutional | per m2 gross floor area | $29.18 | $0.00 | $29.18 |
Payment of DCCs and ACCs
DCCs and ACCs are paid by applicants/developers at the time of:
- Subdivision, for approval to create new single-family lots (Low Density Residential); or,
- Building Permit, upon application to construct Medium or High Density Residential, Commercial, Industrial, or Institutional developments
In-Stream Applications
When a new DCC or ACC Bylaw is enacted, an existing development application submitted prior to the adoption of the new Bylaw(s) is granted 12-month in-stream protection.
In-stream protection will apply to both building permit and subdivision applications received prior to the adoption of any new DCC or ACC Bylaw. Protection is also extended to rezoning and development permit applications that were submitted prior to the adoption of any new DCC or ACC Bylaw and that will result in a building permit within 12 months of bylaw adoption. If an application meets the required criteria of being submitted prior to the adoption of the new DCC or ACC Bylaw, it is provided protection from rate increases.
Statutory Exemptions from DCCs and ACCs
The below table identifies exemptions for DCCs and ACCs, respectively.
| DCC Exemptions | ACC Exemptions |
Can be varied by Council:
|
|
*Currently the Town does not charge DCCs for projects where the value of the work authorized by the permit does not exceed $100,000, and on residential units no larger than 45 square metres.
Waivers and Reductions
Under the Local Government Act, a local government may opt to impose a Bylaw through which DCCs or ACCs may be waived or reduced. DCC waivers or reductions can be provided in support of development resulting in the creation of affordable rental housing or reduced environmental impact. ACC waivers or reductions can be provided in support of affordable rental housing and low-impact development.
The Town does not currently provide any waivers or reductions. Should the Town establish any waivers or reductions, the amount waived is to be entirely supported by the existing taxpayer.
Questions?
For more information, please contact:
Town of Comox
1809 Beaufort Ave.
Comox, BC, V9M 1R9
Jordan Wall
Email: jwall@comox.ca
Phone: (250) 339 2202