Overview
Metro Vancouver’s DCC Program Metro Vancouver collects development cost charges (DCCs) to recover the costs of regional growth-related infrastructure (water, wastewater, and regional park land acquisition) that is needed to support our growing population.
Funding wastewater system expansion
Most local governments have DCCs for growth driven costs to expand local infrastructure (roads, drainage, water, sewer, parks). Without DCCs, larger sewer infrastructure, such as treatment plants, sewer mains, and pump stations – would primarily be paid for through utility fees and property taxes. DCCs substantially pay for the cost of the infrastructure driven by growth needed to service our region.
Calculating the development cost charges
DCCs are calculated based on the type of development and the location. The Metro Vancouver region is divided into four sewerage areas: Fraser, Lulu Island West, North Shore, and Vancouver.
For each sewerage area, the DCCs are based on four separate land use categories : residential (detached single-family, duplex and triplex), townhouse, apartment, and non-residential. Residential, townhouse, and apartment are charged per unit/dwelling, while non-residential developments are charged per square foot.
Collecting the development cost charges
Local municipalities are responsible for collecting Metro Vancouver Development Cost charges. This is usually done at the subdivision approval stage for single-family residential developments and the building permit stage for other types of development.
Liquid Waste DCC rates are by sewerage area and land use category (effective: January 1, 2025).
| Effective Date | Jan 1, 2026 – July 23, 2026** | July 24, 2026*** | Jan 1, 2027*** |
|---|
| Assist Factor* | 10% | 16% | 8% |
|---|
|
Vancouver Sewerage Area (VSA) |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $11,290 | $10,498 | $11,553 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $10,316 | $9,593 | $10,557 |
Apartment Dwelling Unit
| $6,772 | $6,298 | $6,930 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $5.70 | $5.30 | $5.83 |
|
North Shore Sewerage Area (NSSA) |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $10,478 | $9,760 | $10,718 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $9,658 | $8,996 | $9,879 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $6,448 | $6,005 | $6,595 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $5.37 | $5.00 | $5.49 |
|
Lulu Island West Sewerage Area (LIWSA) |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $6,152 | $5,683 | $6,308 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $5,333 | $4,927 | $5,469 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $3,806 | $3,516 | $3,903 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $2.76 | $2.55 | $2.83 |
|
Fraser Sewerage Area (FSA) |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $12,311 | $11,443 | $12,601 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $10,775 | $10,015 | $11,028 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $7,855 | $7,302 | $8,040 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $5.82 | $5.41 | $5.95 |
* The assist factor is the percentage of the growth costs that are to be funded from utility/user fees rather than DCCs.
**Developments with complete rezoning, development or building permit applications submitted before July 24, 2026 may be considered an in-stream application. In-stream applications must provide written agreement to the municipality or issuing jurisdiction to have the amended (reduced) bylaws apply. Otherwise, these applications will continue to be charged the DCC rates that were in effect when the application was submitted. Written agreement is required until the in-stream period expires on July 24, 2027.
*** The amended 2026 and 2027 DCC rates apply only to building permits issued or subdivision approvals granted on or after July 24, 2026. No rebates or retroactive adjustments are available for permits or approvals issued before that date.
A list of DCC liquid waste capital growth projects can be found in the DCC Capital Growth Program 2023 Budget. The above effective January 1, 2025 DCC rates include interest costs to finance the infrastructure projects.
For information on in-stream applications or waiver exemptions visit the
Development Cost Charges page.