Vancouver has a new line in the pro forma: the amenity cost charge (ACC), for new or amended applications on or after Sept 30, 2026.
What it is: a charge on gross floor area that funds amenities the development cost levy (DCL) does not, such as community and recreation facilities, arts and culture, public space and libraries. It is charged in addition to the DCL.
The rates in the City's bulletin, per square foot:
- $2.32 for residential at or below 1.2 FSR, and laneway houses
- $5.00 for residential above 1.2 up to 1.5 FSR
- 3% a year added from 2027 through 2029 on these two rates
Exemption worth knowing: floor area that replaces existing floor area is exempt where the new total does not exceed the replaced building's total.
Timing: payable as a condition of building permit issuance, at the rate in effect that day. Instalments are only offered where the project's total DCL is over $500,000. Applications in the system before Sept 30 are exempt until the by-law is amended, then have 12 months to reach permit.
Illustration only: 4,000 ft2 at $2.32 is about $9,280. Your lot's category and exemptions decide the real number.
Send the address and we’ll run a free desktop check of what it appears to allow, within two business days.
Request a lot check →City of Vancouver, Amenity Cost Charge bulletin (guidelines.vancouver.ca/bulletins/bulletin-amenity-cost-charges.pdf), effective Sept 30, 2026; City of Vancouver 2026 financing growth update.
General information, checked Nov 3, 2026. Rules change and differ by municipality; confirm for your lot before relying on it. Not legal, tax or financial advice.