Development Cost Charges (DCCs) 

Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are one-time fees collected from new developments to help cover costs related to the needs of a growing community. DCCs fund projects related to transportation, water, sewer, drainage, parkland acquisition and certain park improvements. 

Recent changes to provincial legislation have expanded the scope of DCCs. Local governments can now use DCCs to fund additional services, including fire protection facilities, police services, and solid waste and recycling facilities. 

In Coquitlam, DCCs are collected when:

  • A subdivision is approved.
  • A building permit is issued.

At the time of development application, the file manager will provide applicants with an estimate of City’s DCC, as well as the required Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (including Water and Parkland Acquisition) DCC, Translink DCC, and School Site Acquisition Charges (SSAC):

These charges ensure that developers contribute fairly to the infrastructure that supports new growth. The City reviews and updates DCC rates regularly to reflect current capital project costs and growth trends. By keeping our DCC policies up to date, Coquitlam ensures that development contributes to the sustainable growth and well-being of our community.

For detailed information on Coquitlam's DCC rates and recent amendments, please refer to the Development Cost Charges (DCC) Guidelines for External Parties (PDF) and other information listed below. 

In-Stream Protection

Coquitlam’s current Development Cost Charge Bylaw Amendment Number 5332, 2023 (PDF) with amendments approved on September 25, 2023 came into effect on October 1, 2023. However, legislation provides protection to in-stream: 

  • Building permit applications
  • Precursor applications (re-zoning and DP)
  • Subdivision applications

In order to qualify for in-stream protection under the previous (2022) rates, applications must have been submitted to the City prior to the effective date of the new DCC bylaw and:

  • Building permits/subdivision must be granted within one year of the effective date; or
  • Re-zoning and DP applications must result in building permit issuance within one year of the effective date

Payment of DCCs by Installments

Developers may choose to pay DCCs in installments if the total City DCC amount is $50,000 or more, as allowed under the Local Government Act. Payment terms are as follows:

  1. First Payment:
  • Pay one-third of the DCC amount  and a Financial Administrative fee before Subdivision approval or Building Permit issuance.
  • Provide a Letter of Credit as security for the remaining two-thirds.
  1. Subsequent Payments:
  • Pay the second third one year from the first payment (as per the invoice due date).
  • Pay the final third two years from the first payment (as per the invoice due date).

Important Notes:

  • When paying in installments, Letters of Credit (LOCs) are required as security but are not a form of payment.  Payments are to be made by bank draft or certified cheques.   View an example of Letter of Credit (PDF).
  • If a developer elects to pay DCCs in installments, but misses a payment deadline, the full DCC balance becomes immediately due. The City will then use the Letter(s) of Credit to recover the total amount.

The City’s Finance team will send a payment reminder one month prior before the to due date. To ensure timely communications:

  • Provide a generic email address for your company.
  • Notify the City’s Financial Services section if your contact information changes.

Once payments are received, the City will either contact the bank requesting a reduced/amended Letter of Credit for the remaining balance or release the Letter of Credit when all payments have been completed. 

For more information on DCCs, refer to:


Documents

  1. Development Cost Charges (DCC) Guidelines for External Parties (PDF)