By-law Administration and Records Services
Development Cost Levy/Development Cost Charge
DCC/DCL Coordinators are responsible for providing information regarding calculated amounts owing and collect the DCL and regional DCC payments. The two related by-laws are the Vancouver Development Cost Levy By-law 
(105kb) and the Area Specific Development Cost Levy By-law (2.63mb).
Staff work closely with the following branches:
- Enquiry Centre
- Processing Centre – Development
- Processing Centre – Building
- Processing Centre - One and Two Family Dwellings
Development Cost Levy (DCL)
There are 11 DCL areas with varying rates for different uses. DCL charges apply on all new construction and additions with the exception of:
- alterations to existing buildings where the total floor area is not increased;
- social housing (subject to meeting DCL By-law definitions and receiving clearance from the Housing Centre);
- churches exempt from taxation; and
- additions of less than 500 square feet to existing buildings containing fewer than four residential units and no other use.
The DCL charge is based on the rate in effect on the date of Building Permit issuance. The DCL must either be paid in full prior to issuance of a Building Permit, or with a $100.00 initial payment plus an irrevocable letter of credit with interest. Please note that credit cards are not accepted for DCL payments.
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FAQ’s - DCL
How much will the DCL be?
- The rates vary depending on location, type of use, floor space ratio for residential uses and industrial zoning.
How is the DCL calculated?
- The DCL is charged based on the allowable floor area and use, generally derived from the approved Development Permit, except for temporary buildings/tents and daycare which are charged at a flat rate of $10.00 per permit.
What are DCL payments used for?
- DCL's collected from new development may only be used for parks, child care facilities, replacement housing (social/non-profit housing) and engineering infrastructure.
If the DCL is paid and the project is cancelled, will there be a refund?
- Yes, you may submit a written request. The DCL will be refunded in full if the District Building Inspector confirms that no construction has been carried out and the Building Permit is cancelled.
Regional Development Cost Charge (DCC)
The DCC is collected by the City on behalf of the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District 
to assist in funding sewerage and drainage projects needed to service growth in the Lower Mainland. There are two sewerage areas within the City of Vancouver with varying rates for different uses. Residential uses are charged per unit and non-residential uses are charged by floor area.
DCC charges apply to Building Permits with the exception of:
- alterations to an existing building where the total floor area is not increased;
- temporary buildings;
- any application with an estimated project value of $50,000 or less;
- churches exempt from taxation;
- residential buildings with less than four units and no other use (the DCC would be charged prior to subdivision, if applicable).
The DCC must either be paid in full prior to issuance of a Building Permit, or if the DCC owing is over $50,000, with a 1/3 initial payment plus an irrevocable letter of credit for 2/3. Please note that credit cards are not accepted for DCC payments.
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FAQ’s - DCC
How much will the DCC be?
- The rates vary depending on location and type of use(s).
How is the DCC calculated?
- The DCC is charged on a per-unit basis for residential (separate rates for townhouse and apartment uses) and by floor area for non-residential uses, measured to outside edges of exterior walls. Parking and bicycle storage are exempt.
Will there be a credit for existing buildings on the site?
- Yes, credits may reduce the DCC owing. For residential buildings being demolished, a credit will be determined by a review of City records and the credit will be on a per-unit basis at the same rate as the charge for new units. For non-residential buildings, a credit will be determined by submitting an original signed and sealed letter from an architect, professional engineer or land surveyor, stating the area of the building(s) being demolished, excluding parking and bicycle storage, and stating how the information was obtained. The credit will be calculated at the same rate as the charge for new non-residential floor area.
If the DCC is paid and the project is cancelled, will there be a refund?
- Yes, you may submit a written request. The DCC will be refunded in full if the District Building Inspector confirms that no construction has been carried out and the Building Permit is cancelled.
Contact Information
csg.dclcoordinator@vancouver.ca
604.873.7760
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