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Development Cost Charge and Amenity Cost Charge

DCC Program Update and ACC Program Development

As Ucluelet continues to grow and evolve, the District is taking steps to ensure that future development contributes fairly to the costs of essential infrastructure and community amenities. To support this goal, the District is updating its existing Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw and introducing a new Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) Bylaw. These tools help local governments fund growth-related improvements such as roads, water and sewer systems, parks, and public amenities.

Why is the District implementing these charges?

The District of Ucluelet (District) is in the process of updating Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 1056, 2007. The Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw was last updated in 2007. The District is also in the process of developing a new Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) Bylaw; Ucluelet does not currently have an ACC program in place.  To date, the District has prepared materials for both programs that includes the proposed projects, costs, and rates.

Where Are we Today?

June 10, 2025: The draft DCC and ACC rates were presented to Council at the June 10, 2025 meeting (find the Council Meeting Package here).

View the June 10, 2025 – Regular Council Meeting

What’s next?

A virtual DCC and ACC information session for the development community and interested parties will be held on August 14, 2025 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM via Microsoft Teams. The information session will include program details, a project timeline, and an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Registration is required to attend the session.
Please confirm your participation by emailing Sativa Yael, Project Coordinator at Urban Systems, at SYael@urbansystems.ca. Invitations and updates will be sent directly to registered participants via email and Microsoft Teams.

In addition to attending the session, you are welcome to provide written feedback by contacting SYael@urbansystems.ca. Feedback received will be summarized in the DCC Background Report (submitted to the Ministry) and the ACC Background Report.

What are 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 (planning, engineering, design, legal, studies) and can only be used to fund growth-driven projects within the following categories:

  • Transportation services
  • Water services
  • Drainage services
  • Sewer services
  • Parkland acquisition and improvements
  • Fire protection facilities
  • Police facilities
  • Solid waste and recycling facilities

DCCs cannot be used for projects that serve the existing population (i.e., deficiencies, asset replacement) or for operations and maintenance costs. DCCs also cannot be used for projects otherwise eligible for ACCs.

What are Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs)?

ACCs are one-time fees collected to help communities finance amenities such as community centres, recreational facilities, libraries, daycares, and public spaces. These amenities support liveable and complete communities in areas of growth. They are a Provincially regulated tool; the Local Government Act sets out the general requirements under which local governments may administer ACC programs.

What are the proposed DCC and ACC rates?

DCCs and ACCs are levied on a per lot or per dwelling unit basis for Low Density Residential and on a per unit basis for Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, and Commercial Accommodation. Non-residential (Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional) uses will be levied per square metre of gross floor area.

The proposed DCC and ACC rates outlined below assume a 1% Municipal Assist Factor (MAF) for all programs except water treatment and sanitary treatment (25%).

LAND USE Unit Proposed DCC
(1%; 25% MAF)		 Proposed ACC
(1% MAF)		 Total
Low Density Residential per lot / unit $25,425.20 $4,643.22 $30,068.42
Medium Density Residential per unit $13,807.03 $2,738.31 $16,545.33
High Density Residential per unit $8,924.07 $1,666.80 $10,590.86
Commercial Accommodation per unit $8,518.75 $1,547.74 $10,066.49
Commercial per m2 GFA $89.26 $11.91 $101.17
Industrial per m2 GFA $36.78 $5.36 $42.14
Institutional per m2 GFA $88.44 $11.91 $100.35

*Gross Floor Area

When are DCCs and ACCs paid?

DCCs 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 Accommodation, Commercial, Industrial, Commercial Accommodation or Institutional developments

What happens to applications already in process?

When a new DCC Bylaw and/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 Bylaw and/or ACC Bylaw. Protection is also extended to rezoning and development permit applications that were submitted prior to the adoption of any new DCC and/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 Bylaw and/or ACC Bylaw, it is provided protection from rate increases.

Are there exemptions from DCCs and ACCs?

The below list identifies instances when DCCs are not payable:

DCC Exemptions:

  • Construction, alteration, or extension of a building which is solely for public worship and the land on which the building stands is exempt from taxation;
  • Units with ≤ 29 m2 area;
  • Units of ≤ $50K of building permit value;
  • Where DCCs have been previously charged; and,
  • In-stream applications (complete).

The below list identifies instances when ACCs are not payable:

ACC Exemptions:

  • Construction, alteration, or extension of a building which is solely for public worship and the land on which the building stands is exempt from taxation;
  • Units with ≤ 29 m2 area;
  • Units of ≤ $50K of building permit value;
  • In-stream applications (complete);
  • Inclusionary housing;
  • Cooperative housing;
  • Supportive housing;
  • Transitional housing;
  • Emergency shelters; and,
  • Affordable housing classes.

Can DCCs or ACCs be waived or reduced?

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.

In the case of any waivers or reductions provided, the amount waived or reduced is to be entirely supported by the existing taxpayer.

Who can I contact at the District for ongoing support or questions?

James MacIntosh
Director of Engineering
District of Ucluelet
250-726-7744
jmacintosh@ucluelet.ca

Who can I contact to register for the session and/or provide feedback?

Sativa Yael
Project Coordinator
Urban Systems
SYael@urbansystems.ca