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# Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs)
ACCs are fees developers pay toward the cost of community amenities needed to support growth -- things like recreation facilities, libraries, daycares and public spaces. ACCs are established under provincial legislation and are separate from Development Cost Charges (DCCs), which fund core infrastructure like roads, water and sewer.
ACC charges are based on increases in population or employees as a result of new development.
Updated ACC rates approved by Courtenay City Council took effect April 30, 2026.
For background information, rates and bylaws, visit the Engage Comox Valley ACC project page.
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ACCs can help fund amenities such as:
* recreation and athletic facilities
* community, youth or seniors' spaces
* libraries
* daycare facilities
* public squares
* growth-related park amenities
ACCs can't be used for any capital cost for which a DCC may be imposed.
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Local governments are required to assist development through the Municipal Assist Factor (MAF), a policy decision made by Council. The MAF works in addition to the benefit allocation between new growth and existing residents, and must be set at a minimum of one per cent, up to a maximum of 99 per cent.
The City has set a one per cent assist factor across both the DCC and ACC programs. In making this decision, Council considered the impact of the proposed rates on the viability of new development and infrastructure needs over the 20-year program horizon.
## In-stream protection
If your application was submitted before the ACC bylaw adoption date, you may qualify for in-stream protection -- meaning you are exempt from ACCs until the ACC bylaw is amended.
To qualify, an in-stream precursor application must be a complete application to the satisfaction of the City, with all applicable fees paid, and must be actively in progress -- not rejected, withdrawn or issued.
When the City amends its ACC Bylaw, in-stream developments will become subject to ACCs and will receive in-stream protection, consistent with how protection is currently applied to DCCs.
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ACC payments follow the same instalment rules as DCCs: if the charge is $50,000 or more, developers can choose to pay in two instalments with 25 per cent upfront and 75 per cent deferred. See the payment options section on the DCC page for full details including security requirements.
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Developments on which ACCs have already been charged may be eligible for Existing Use Credits under the same rules that apply to DCCs. See the existing use credits section on the DCC page for full details.
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Certain developments are exempt from ACCs, including:
* any class of affordable housing prescribed by regulation
* any capital cost for which a DCC may be imposed
* places of worship (though other uses in the same building may still be subject to ACCs)
Under the Local Government Act, the City may also waive or reduce ACCs for eligible developments.
## Related development financing work
ACC work is connected to several related initiatives, including DCC updates, Development Procedures Bylaw modernization, Official Community Plan (OCP) updates, the Downtown Revitalization Local Area Plan and density bonus policy work.
### Related links
* Development Cost Charges (DCCs)
Last updated: **Jul 7, 2026 - 4:27pm**