Development Charges & Costs

NOTICE: On December 6, Council approved By-Laws 2023-146-FI through to 2023-152-FI, which impose development charges as outlined in the Development Charges Act. These by-laws replace the current one, By-Law 2018-165, starting January 1, 2024.

Development charges are collected to cover the cost of infrastructure (roads, sewers, water, fire stations, police stations, transit, recreation centres, schools, libraries etc.). The Town collects these development charges on behalf of York Region, the Public & Catholic School Boards, and Stouffville.

Development Charges are usually collected at the time of building permit issuance. Most residential subdivision developers prepay a large portion of their charges under an agreement prior to starting any construction. The balance is paid at the time of Building Permit issuance.

Development charges guide

The Town has created a simple Development Charges Guide to help you calculate the total cost of DC's. Property buyers should check with your seller if a portion of the DCs have been prepaid under a municipal agreement.

Exemptions and credits

The following redevelopment credits have been included in the Development Charges by-laws:
• Redevelopment/conversion within 60 months for residential and/or non-residential (no change from current by-law); and
• For abandoned and/or derelict structures, within 10 years where structure is demolished within 6 months of receiving formal notification from the Town to remove (new)

Agricultural buildings and residential garages/sheds are exempt from paying DCs.

Section 26.1 of the Development Charges Act allows the deferral of payment of development charges related to building permits for rental housing and institutional development.

Section 4.2 of the Development Charges Act exempts non-profit housing development from development charges.

Development charges by-law

Historic development charges guides

Historic background studies

Accessible formats available upon request. Contact 905-640-1900 or customer.service@townofws.ca for assistance.
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