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Development Charges update

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Development Charges are one-time fees charged by municipalities on new residential and non-residential properties to help pay for a portion of growth related capital costs. Without Development Charges in place, the City would have to pay for all growth related costs with increased taxes and/or increased water/wastewater/stormwater rates.

The Development Charges Act requires that the City review the Development Charges By-Law every five years through the preparation of a Background Study.

The City of Owen Sound is currently in the process of updating the background study and will ultimately draft and enact a new Development Charges By-Law prior to the existing By-Law expiration date of March 1, 2020. A public meeting is planned for November 18^th to present the background study and accept feedback.

2019 Development Charges Update

Development Charges By-Law

The Development Charges By-Law 2019-199 was passed by City Council on December 16, 2019

Mandatory Exemptions

industrial building expansions (expanding 50% or less)
addition of up to 2 apartments for a single as long as house size does not double in size
one additional unit in medium & high density buildings
Upper/Lower Tier Government & School Boards

Discretionary Exemptions

Reduce in part or whole DC for types of development or classes of development (i.e. industrial or churches)
May phase-in charges over time
Redevelopment credits to recognize what is being replaced on site

Owen Sound Exemptions

non-residential buildings used accessory to an agricultural operation
temporary building where the owner has completed an agreement with the City specifying the owner's obligation to remove the building
Places of worship for religious uses that are exempt from Provincial taxes pursuant of the Provincial Land Tax Act R.S.O. 1990, cP32 as amended
Present charge represents approximately 80% of the charge calculated in the 2010 background study

Collecting Development Charges

Payment for Development Charges is collected at the Building Permit stage and is made at the Community Services Counter at City Hall or can be added to the tax roll.

Current Year Development Charge March 2, 2019 to March 1, 2020

City-Wide Fees (with the exception of the Sydenham Heights Area)

Residential (per unit)	Rates
Single and Semi Detached Dwelling	$7,008
Apartments	$3,629
Other Multiples	$5,757

Non-Residential
Commercial and Institutional (per ft² of Gross Floor Area)	$3.00

Sydenham Heights Area Specific Development Charges

Residential	Rates
Single and Semi-Detached Dwelling	$3,335
Apartments - 2 Bedrooms +	$2,260
Apartments - Bachelor and 1 Bedroom	$1,865
Other Multiples	$2,594

Non-Residential
Commercial and Institutional (per Ft2 of Gross Floor Area)	$2.40