DCCs are fees developers must pay to help cover the cost of new infrastructure, like roads, sewers, and parks, needed due to new development in the District of Sooke.

DCCs apply to most developments, including residential homes, multi-family units, commercial buildings, and industrial developments.

DCCs are paid by applicants / developers at time of:

• Subdivision, for approval to create new single-family lots; or
• Building Permit, upon application to construct multi-family residential, commercial, industrial or institutional developments.

DCCs pay for the capital upgrades needed to support growth by assisting in the funding of:

• Transportation Infrastructure
• Drainage Infrastructure
• Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure
• Parkland Acquisition and Development
• Water Infrastructure (collected by Sooke on behalf of the Capital Regional District)

There are a number of components that DCCs cannot pay for, including:

• Replacing infrastructure solely to service existing residents
• Operations and maintenance
• Community facilities such as recreation centres, libraries and fire halls
• Vehicles and equipment

Some developments may be exempt from DCCs, such as churches or small residential buildings under 29 square meters or if the value of the work authorized by the building permit does not exceed $50,000. However, always check with the District for specific exemptions.

Yes, if your DCC charges are $50,000 or more, you may be eligible to pay in three equal installments over two years, but this requires a deposit and security.

The new DCC rates come into force immediately after the Development Cost Charge Bylaw is adopted by Council. However, the Local Government Act provides special protection from rate increases for development applications that are submitted prior to the adoption date. In-stream protection applies to complete building permit and subdivision applications that were received prior to the adoption of the new DCC Bylaw. Protection is also extended to complete rezoning and development permit applications that were submitted prior to the adoption of the new DCC Bylaw. The previous DCC rates will apply to any developments which receive final subdivision or building permit approval within 12 months of the adoption of the Bylaw. Therefore, if an application meets the required criteria of being submitted prior to the adoption of the new DCC Bylaw, it is provided protection from DCC rate increases until the date of bylaw adoptions if final subdivision approval or building permit is obtained.

While not technically a Development Cost Charge, the District also collects School Site Acquisition Charges on behalf of School District 62.