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).
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.
For information on in-stream applications or waiver exemptions visit the
Development Cost Charges page.