FAQs • Will ACCs increase the cost of housing?

Will ACCs increase the cost of housing?: ACCs are a charge that developers pay towards the cost of development and are intended to replace the City’s existing Community Amenity Contributions and Density Bonus programs. Costs will vary by project, but overall, ACCs typically make up 2–4% of total development costs (excluding land). Housing prices, on the other hand, are set by the market and influenced by multiple factors.

Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of development will be charged ACCs?: ACCs are proposed to apply to all new residential development, including single-family homes, small-scale residential, townhomes, and apartments.

Proposed charges for new developments are:

3. When are ACCs applied during the development process?: ACCs will be charged at the building permit stage. For charges over $50,000, developers may pay in instalments over two years. This differs from the existing system, where Community Amenity Contributions are paid at the rezoning stage and Density Bonus contributions at the building permit stage, both of which are paid in full.

4. What amenities will ACCs help pay for?: ACCs help fund amenities that are in line with the City’s Major Facilities Roadmap, such as community centres, recreation facilities, and libraries that support livable and complete communities in areas of growth.

5. How does the City determine which amenities to fund through ACCs?: The program is guided by various City plans and strategies including the City’s Major Facilities Roadmap, which outlines the City’s facility needs over the next 30 years. Additionally, it is also comprised of the non-DCC eligible components of the DCC park improvements informed by the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

6. Will ACCs increase the cost of housing?: ACCs are a charge that developers pay towards the cost of development and are intended to replace the City’s existing Community Amenity Contributions and Density Bonus programs. Costs will vary by project, but overall, ACCs typically make up 2–4% of total development costs (excluding land). Housing prices, on the other hand, are set by the market and influenced by multiple factors.

7. Are any projects exempt from ACCs?: Yes. Mandatory exemptions include places of worship, developments that do not result in population increases, and certain types of affordable housing as prescribed by provincial regulation.

8. Will ACCs be waived or reduced for affordable housing or non-profits?: Certain prescribed affordable housing types are exempt. The City is also reviewing rental tenure and inclusionary zoning under the new development finance framework, with more details to come.

9. How do ACCs affect rental, strata, or commercial developments?: ACCs are not currently proposed for commercial development. Rental and strata developments will be subject to ACCs unless specifically exempted.

10. Can developers appeal or negotiate ACC charges?: No. ACCs are fixed charges set by bylaw, unlike Community Amenity Contributions or Density Bonus contributions. ACC charges are based on capital project costs and projected population, with limited flexibility.

11. Where can I see how ACC revenues are spent?: Cities must report annually on ACC collections and expenditures, in compliance with provincial legislation. The ACC report will form part of the City’s annual financial reporting published prior to June 30^th of each year.

12. Will residents have input into which amenities are prioritized?: The City can used ACC funds to only fund those amenities that are included in the ACC Program. The delivery of such amenities is then prioritized as part of the City’s annual Five Year Financial Plan. The amenity projects prioritized in the plan are based on a variety of factors including community needs, condition, and funding availability. Public input on the City’s annual plan is gathered through a variety of channels such as the Let’s Talk Coquitlam, open houses, the annual Town Hall, and budget surveys. Residents and interest holders also identified priorities for the community through the engagement process of the Major Facilities Roadmap.

13. How is the City ensuring transparency and accountability in the ACC process?: The City is conducting public consultation and engagement, including a virtual information session, an online resource hub at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/ACC, and outreach to the development industry through the Urban Development Institute (UDI). Materials and resources provide outline how rates were determined and how they will apply.

14. When do the new charges take effect?: ACC rates will take effect upon bylaw adoption. The City aims to adopt the bylaw by mid-2025, pending completion of the public consultation process.

15. What happens to applications already in progress?: The ACC legislation provides for in-stream protection for applications in progress. However, the provincial legislation currently lacks clarity on the transition provisions related to in-stream protections. An assessment and interpretation of the legislative requirements and related implications to in-stream applications is under review with additional information to follow.

16. How often will ACC rates be reviewed or updated?: The City aims to update the ACC rates regularly similar to the exiting approach with DCC rates. However, given that ACC is a new program, more frequent updates may occur initially as the City transitions to the new Development Finance Framework.