Public Notice: Development Cost Charge Program Update and Amenity Cost Charge Program Development
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
For more information, please visit the District’s Development Cost Charges and Amenity Cost Charges page on the official Ucluelet website: Official Government Website for Ucluelet, BC