Development Cost Charges (DCCs) 

Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are one-time cost recoveries collected from new developments to help cover costs related to the needs of a growing community. DCCs have historically been used to 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. For further clarity a Building Permit includes either an excavation, foundation or full Building Permit.

During review of the development application, the file manager will provide applicants with an estimate of City DCCs, as well as the DCCs collected on behalf of other government authorities including the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (including Water and Parkland Acquisition DCC, Translink DCC, and School Site Acquisition Charges).

These cost recoveries require that developers contribute fairly to the infrastructure that supports new growth. Coquitlam reviews and updates DCC rates regularly to reflect current capital project costs and growth trends. By keeping our DCCs up to date, Coquitlam makes sure that development contributes to the sustainable growth and well-being of our community.

Proposed DCC Rates

CategoryTypeRate
Residential (per Dwelling Unit)Single Family$64,396

Duplex/Triplex/Fourplex/Multiplex$43,483

Townhouse$38,537

Apartment$24,435



Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) (per m² of Gross Floor Area)Commercial$131

Industrial$73

Institutional$132


The new DCC rates will be effective at bylaw adoption. However, legislation provides a one-year in-stream protection. Pending provincial approval, Coquitlam anticipates adopting its updated DCC bylaw by summer 2025. 

Do you have any comments or feedback on these proposed changes? Email financialplanning@coquitlam.ca.

In-Stream Protection

Legislation provides a one-year in-stream protection for: 

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

In order to qualify for in-stream protection under the previous (2023) rates, applications must be complete and 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 Development Permit 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. For further clarity a Building Permit includes either an excavation, foundation or full Building Permit.
  • 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.

As a courtesy, the City’s Finance team will send a payment reminder one month before the 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)