Overview
Metro Vancouver collects development cost charges (DCCs) for new residential and non-residential developments in the region to pay for new liquid waste and water infrastructure as well as parkland acquisitions needed to provide services to the future occupants of these buildings. These charges are defined in the bylaws of the legal entity responsible. There are currently three separate DCC charges, liquid waste, water, and parkland acquisition.
Funding wastewater system expansion
Metro Vancouver updated the water Development Cost Charge rate effective January 1, 2025. Metro Vancouver collects Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for new residential and non-residential developments in the region to pay for new sanitary sewer works such as additional trunk lines, pumping stations, and wastewater treatment plant expansion that are needed to deliver wastewater services to the future residents of these buildings. These fees are defined in the Development Cost Charge Bylaw below. The Liquid Waste DCC rates are phased in over three years beginning January 1, 2025.
Calculating the development cost charges
DCCs are calculated based on the type of development and the location. The Lower Mainland 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 the charge. This is usually done at the subdivision approval stage for single-family residential developments and the building permit stage for other types of development.
Sewer DCC rates by sewerage area and land use category (effective: January 1, 2025).
| Assist Factor | Jan 1, 2025
16%
| Jan 1, 2026
10%
| Jan 1, 2027
1%
|
|---|
|
VSA |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $10,498 | $11,290 | $12,476 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $9,593 | $10,316 | $11,400 |
Apartment Dwelling Unit
| $6,298 | $6,772 | $7,484 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $5.30 | $5.70 | $6.30 |
|
NSSA |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $9,760 | $10,478 | $11,557 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $8,996 | $9,658 | $10,652 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $6,005 | $6,448 | $7,111 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $5.00 | $5.37 | $5.92 |
|
LISA |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $5,683 | $6,152 | $6,855 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $4,927 | $5,333 | $5,943 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $3,516 | $3,806 | $4,241 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $2.55 | $2.76 | $3.08 |
|
FSA |
| Residential Lot Development Unit | $11,443 | $12,311 | $13,613 |
| Townhouse Dwelling Unit | $10,015 | $10,775 | $11,914 |
| Apartment Dwelling Unit | $7,302 | $7,855 | $8,686 |
| Non-Residential (per square foot) | $5.41 | $5.82 | $6.43 |
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.