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.

Current DCC Rates (Bylaw 5411, 2025 - Effective June 23, 2025)

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


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 (Bylaw 5332, 2023) rates, applications must be complete and have been submitted to the City prior to the effective date June 23, 2025 of DCC Bylaw Number 5411, 2025 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 Instalments

Developers may choose to Pay DCCs in instalments 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 twenty-five percent (25%) of the DCC amount and a financial administration fee before subdivision approval or building permit issuance. For clarity, the first building permit for the development that authorizes the construction, alteration or extension of a building or structure will trigger the DCC payment. 
  • Provide a Letter of Credit (LOC) or Development Charge Surety Bond as security for the remaining balance of seventy-five percent (75%). 

2.    Final Payment:

  • The remaining seventy-five percent (75%) are due and payable in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations, and are payable on the earlier of:    
    1. four (4) years from the date of subdivision approval or the date the building permit issuance, or
    2. fifteen (15) business days after the City gives notice of final occupancy

Important notes:

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

As a courtesy, the City’s Finance team will send a payment reminder before the due date, however, the developer is fully responsible for monitoring payment dates.  

To ensure timely communications:

  • Provide a generic email address for your company.
  • Notify Financial Services if your contact information changes.

Once payments are received, the City will release the LOCs or Development Charge Surety Bonds.

For more information on DCCs, refer to:

Documents

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