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DEVELOPMENT COST CHARGES AND AMENITY
COST CHARGES GUIDE
Introduction
On June 9, 2026, the Village of Cumberland's Amenity Cost Charges Bylaw No. 1257, 2026
came into effect. This bylaw works alongside the Village's existing Development Cost Charges
Bylaw No. 1173, 2022, which was adopted in 2023.
The Local Government Act outlines the general requirements under which local governments
may administer both Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs).
This Guide provides background information on the programs and rates and answers
frequently asked questions. It also includes some implementation scenarios for how DCCs and
ACCs would be levied.
What is a Development Cost Charge?
DCCs are fees collected to help communities recover the costs of off-site infrastructure
needed for growth. They are based on the principle of cost-sharing infrastructure between
existing taxpayers and new development.
Funds generated through DCCs are intended for one-time capital costs (planning, engineering,
design, legal, studies) and are used to fund growth-driven projects within the following
categories:
-
Transportation services
-
Water services
-
Drainage services
-
Sanitary services
-
Parkland acquisition and improvements
-
Fire protection facilities
-
Police facilities
DCCs cannot be used for projects that serve the existing population (i.e., deficiencies, asset
replacement) or for operations and maintenance costs. DCCs also cannot be used for projects
otherwise eligible for ACCs.
What is an Amenity Cost Charge?
ACCs are fees collected to help communities finance amenities such as community centres,
recreational facilities, libraries, daycares, and public spaces, if any of these are provided by
the Village. These amenities support liveable and complete communities in areas of growth.
DCC and ACC Guide
page 2
C & ACC Brochure
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Understanding the DCC and ACC Land Use Categories
As the DCCs and ACCs were not updated concurrently, each program has different land use
categories. The DCC Bylaw is scheduled to be updated in 2027 and the categories will then be
aligned with ACCs. The following section explains these categories and their differences
between ACCs and DCCs.
Low Density Residential
DCC Bylaw Definition: A residential use or development that consists of the following types of
dwellings as defined by the Village of Cumberland's Zoning Bylaw:
(a) single family,
(b) duplex
This refers to the previous Zoning Bylaw No. 1027.
ACC Bylaw Definition: One detached Dwelling Unit in the form of one Single Detached
Dwelling on a Parcel, which may contain one (1) additional Dwelling Unit in the form of an
attached Secondary Suite.
The Village has opted to keep the ACC Bylaw definition consistent with the DCC Bylaw
definition with respect to Duplex Dwellings. This means that a duplex will be charged only 1
Low Density Residential DCC and 1 Low Density Residential ACC at time of subdivision.
However, if the expected number of dwelling units changes, these Low Density charges may
be credited back in favour of higher density DCCs or ACCs. Otherwise, Low Density Residential
DCCs will continue to be charged on Single Family/Detached Dwellings. Secondary Suites are
not charged any DCCs but are included in this category.
DCC and ACC Guide
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C & ACC Brochure
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Medium Density Residential
DCC Bylaw Definition: A residential use or type of development that consists of the following
types of dwelling as defined by the Village of Cumberland's Zoning Bylaw:
(a) townhouse,
(b) manufactured home
This refers to the previous Zoning Bylaw No. 1027.
ACC Bylaw Definition: A ground-oriented residential development comprising two (2) or more
Single Detached Dwelling Units, Manufactured Homes, or attached dwellings including a
Duplex Dwelling or Multi-Unit Dwelling with self-contained Dwelling Units accessible through
separate, ground-oriented entrances (triplexes, fourplexes, Townhouse Dwellings).
The Medium Density Residential definition is expanded for the newer ACC Bylaw to reflect the
introduction of Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH). To reflect burden on infrastructure,
it also includes Duplex Dwellings. Except for Duplex Dwellings, which will be considered Low
Density in the DCC program, all of the uses included in the ACC Bylaw definition of Medium
Density will also be charged a Medium Density Residential DCC.
High Density Residential
DCC Bylaw Definition: A residential use or development that consists of the following types of
dwellings as defined by the Village of Cumberland's Zoning Bylaw:
(a) multi-family,
(b) apartment
This refers to the previous Zoning Bylaw No. 1027.
ACC Bylaw Definition: A residential building that is used or designed where three (3) or more
attached, self-contained Dwelling Units are accessible via a common hallway or corridor and
shared entrance facilities (e.g., Apartments). Also includes caretaker suite(s).
The High Density Residential definitions are in alignment, with greater detail provided in the
ACC Bylaw around number of units to reflect the introduction of SSMUH legislation.
Non-Residential (Commercial, Industrial, Institutional)
DCC Bylaw Definitions: all are aligned with the definitions within the Village of Cumberland's
zoning bylaw.
ACC Bylaw Definition: ACCs are not charged on non-residential uses.
Only DCCs are charged on non-residential uses.
DCC and ACC Guide
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C & ACC Brochure
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What are the DCC and ACC Rates?
The following table lists the DCC and ACC rates by land use, the related units of charge, and
the timing of charges. Please note the following considerations:
-
The Sanitary Sewer category is charged on both an Area-specific and Village-wide
basis. The Area-specific DCC would be charged in addition to the Village-wide charge.
-
Secondary Suites (attached or detached) are currently not charged DCCs or ACCs.
Land Use
Unit
Total DCC
(Village-Wide)
Sewer DCC
(Area-Specific)
ACC
Timing of
Charge
Low Density
Residential
Per
lot/per
unit
$16,019.20
$4,263.13
$9,035.02
Subdivision
or Building
Permit
Medium Density
Residential
Per unit
$9,405.21
$3,438.01
$6,076.37
Building
Permit
High Density
Residential
Per unit
$8,006.78
$2,750.41
$4,453.88
Building
Permit
Commercial
Per m2
GFA*
$110.38
$17.88
N/A
Building
Permit
Industrial
Per ha
of site
utilized
$149,076.31
$24,753.66
N/A
Building
Permit
Institutional
Per m2
GFA
$118.81
$15.13
N/A
Building
Permit
*GFA = gross floor area
What Development is Exempt from DCCs and ACCs?
Both DCCs and ACCs cannot be levied if the proposed development does not impose new
capital costs on the Village or if fees have already been paid for the same development.
Additional DCCs or ACCs may apply if an expansion to a development increases capital costs
to the Village or requires additional servicing beyond the previous use.
The below table identifies instances when DCCs and ACCs are not payable:
DCC Exemptions
ACC Exemptions
-
Residential units with ≤ 29 m2 area
-
Building permit is issued for work not
exceeding $50,000
-
Any class of affordable housing
prescribed by regulation
-
For any capital cost for which a DCC
may be imposed
DCC and ACC Guide
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C & ACC Brochure
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In addition to any other regulations in the Local Government Act that state when DCCs or
ACCs are not payable, these fees also do not apply to places of worship or to tenant
improvements, interior renovations, and other interior construction.
When are DCC and ACC Credits Provided?
Developments on which DCCs and ACCs have already been charged may be eligible for Existing
Use Credits, so long as the development maintains the same land use or if the change in land
use is from one residential type to another. Applicants are responsible for providing all
necessary information (e.g., floor plans, GFA) to determine Existing Use Credits.
All Existing Use Credits provided for expansions or redevelopments will be based on the rates
in place at the time of initial building permit issuance or subdivision. Existing Use Credits are
not granted for the addition of suites, including Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling
Units.
Can DCCs and/or ACCs be Waived or Reduced?
Under the Local Government Act, a local government may opt to impose a bylaw through
which DCCs or ACCs may be waived or reduced for eligible developments, such as affordable
rental housing or building with reduced environmental impact.
The Village does not currently provide any waivers or reductions. Should the Village opt to
provide a waiver or reduction for an eligible development, the Village must finance the
waived or reduced fees by transferring funds from non-DCC or -ACC revenue sources (e.g.,
general taxation) into the applicable reserve account.
DCC and ACC Guide
page 6
C & ACC Brochure
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What Happens to Applications Already in Process?
New DCC and ACC rates take effect immediately upon adoption of the respective Bylaws.
However, legislation grants a 12-month protection from DCC rate increases for in-stream
development applications submitted prior to adoption. This protection applies to building
permit, subdivision, rezoning, and development permit applications (including development
variance permits), provided that a building permit is issued or the subdivision is considered
and concluded within 12 months of Bylaw adoption. If an applicant does not receive
subdivision approval or is issued a building permit within the 12 months following Bylaw
adoption, they must pay the applicable DCC and/or ACC rates.
Note that precursor or in-stream development applications are indefinitely exempt from the
initial ACC Bylaw (i.e., Bylaw No. 1257), and applicants will not pay ACCs until the Village
passes an amended ACC bylaw. The Village is planning an inflationary update in early 2027.
The 12-month in-stream protection period starts once the amended bylaw is adopted, and the
rates in the original 2026 Bylaw No. 1257 would apply for 1 year.
Complete
rezoning,
development
permit, or
building
permit
application
received by
the Village
Initial
ACC
Bylaw
adopted
Year 1 ACC Rate
Amended
ACC
Bylaw
adopted
with new
rates in
2027
Year 2 ACC Rate
Year 3 ACC Rate
No ACCs
charged for
instream
applications.
Applicants are
locked in at the
previous rate
(i.e., no ACCs).
Instream
applicants pay
2026 rates and are
protected from the
amended rates for
12 months.
Applicants must
receive Subdivision
Approval or
Building Permit
within this period
to pay the initial
ACC rate.
In-stream
protection no
longer applies if
Building Permit is
not received
within 12 months.
All applicants are
now subject to the
amended ACC rate.
Contact Information
For general inquiries related to Village building and development bylaws, please contact
[email protected] or (250) 336-2291.
This guide is not a legal document. Any contradiction, dispute or difference between the contents of this guide and applicable
Village bylaws, plans, policies or guidelines will be resolved by reference to the bylaws or other official documents.
DCC and ACC Guide
page 7
C & ACC Brochure
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APPENDIX: IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIOS
The following section provides some examples of DCC and ACC implementation in the Village.
Since the Village's current DCC Bylaw was adopted prior to the enactment of the new
Provincial legislation regarding small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH), there may be some
discrepancies in how DCCs are applied to various housing forms. In these instances, please
refer to the Village's Zoning Bylaw for information.
The final decision on payable fees and charges will be determined by Village staff on a case-
by-case basis. In cases where there may be conflicting fees or charges, the lowest amount will
be paid.
1. NEW SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING
A Single Detached Dwelling, with or without a Secondary Suite.
Fees Applied at time of Subdivision (no charges at Building Permit):
-
1x Low Density Residential DCC,
-
1x Low Density Residential ACC
2. NEW DUPLEX DWELLING
A Duplex Dwelling is built on an empty, Low Density lot.
Fees Applied at time of Subdivision:
-
1x Low Density Residential DCC,
-
1x Low Density Residential ACC
Fees Applied at time of Building Permit:
-
1x Low Density Residential DCC,
-
2x Medium Density Residential ACC, minus a credit for 1x Low Density Residential ACC
if previously paid
3. TWO SINGLE DETACHED DWELLINGS ON ONE LOT
Two Single Detached Dwellings are created on one Low Density lot (i.e., the two Single
Detached Dwellings are built on an empty lot).
Fees Applied at time of Subdivision:
-
1x Low Density Residential DCC
-
1x Low Density Residential ACC
DCC and ACC Guide
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C & ACC Brochure
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THE VILLAGE OF
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Fees Applied at time of Building Permit:
-
2x Medium Density Residential DCCs, with the initial 1x Low Density Residential ACC
credited back to the applicant if previously paid
-
2x Medium Density Residential ACCs, with the initial 1x Low Density Residential ACC
credited back to the applicant if previously paid
4. NEWLY SUBDIVIDED LOW DENSITY LOT WITH THREE OR FOUR UNITS
CONSTRUCTED
A triplex or fourplex (SSMUH development) on a newly subdivided low density lot. All units
are ground-oriented (i.e., separate entrances).
Fees Applied at Subdivision if a Triplex or Fourplex:
-
1x Low Density Residential DCC,
-
1x Low Density Residential ACC
Fees Applied at Building Permit if a Triplex:
-
3x Medium Density Residential DCC,
-
3x Medium Density Residential ACC, minus credits for 1x Low Density Residential DCC
and 1x Low Density Residential ACC if previously paid
Fees Applied at Building Permit if a Fourplex:
-
4x Medium Density Residential DCC,
-
4x Medium Density Residential ACC, minus credits for 1x Low Density Residential DCC
and 1x Low Density Residential ACC if previously paid
5. CONVERSION OF A SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING TO A TRIPLEX OR
FOURPLEX
A Single Detached Dwelling is converted to a Triplex or Fourplex. All units are ground-oriented
(i.e., separate entrances).
Credits Applied at time of DCC/ACC Payment: 1x Low Density Residential DCC credit (for the
existing Single Detached Dwelling)
Fees Applied at Building Permit if a Triplex:
-
3x Medium Density Residential DCC, minus the 1x Low Density Residential DCC credit
-
3x Medium Density Residential ACC
Fees Applied at Building Permit if a Fourplex:
-
4x Medium Density Residential DCC, minus the 1x Low Density Residential DCC credit
-
4x Medium Density Residential ACC
DCC and ACC Guide
page 9
C & ACC Brochure
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6. NEW SIX-UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING WITH A COMMON HALLWAY
(I.E., NOT GROUND-ORIENTED)
An apartment building with six units all accessed through a common hallway (i.e., not ground-
oriented).
Fees Applied at time of Building Permit:
-
6x High Density Residential DCC,
-
6x High Density Residential ACC
7. NEW MIXED-USE BUILDING WITH COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USES
A new mixed-use building is constructed with ten apartment units and 2,500m2 of commercial
space on the ground floor.
Fees Applied at time of Building Permit:
-
Residential: 10x High Density Residential DCC, 10x High Density Residential ACC
-
Commercial: 2,500m2 in DCCs at the applicable Commercial rate,
-
No ACCs charged