Development Charges

Development charges are fees paid for new developments, re-developments, change of use and expansions for residential and non-residential buildings or structures. Fees collected help pay for city growth-related infrastructure. Changing a building’s use from residential to non-residential or from industrial to commercial may result in development charges.

Development charges may apply if you are:

constructing a new building.
making an addition or alteration to an existing building which increases the total floor area or number of units.
re-developing a property or properties which results in a change of use.
making interior alterations that result in a change of use to all or part of a building or unit.

The City of Vaughan also collects development charges on behalf of York Region, the York District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board.

Any Site Plan applications received after January 1, 2020 will be subject to a DC freeze which will maintain the DC rates at the time that an application is deemed complete. DC rates that are frozen will be subject to 5% interest calculated annually. Further information regarding the DC freeze and associated interest rates can be located in the policies located on the Development Charges and By-Laws webpage.

The following information provides an overview of the City of Vaughan’s development charges and is intended to be used as a guide. Applicants should review the Development Charges and By-laws and consult with City of Vaughan Financial Planning and Development Finance staff to determine the charges that apply to specific development proposals.

You can also read the most recent Development Charge pamphlet (November 8, 2024) (PDF) for more information.