• Development Charges By-laws
• 2009 Development Charges Background Study ( 667k/143p)
• 2008 Development Charges Background Study ( 1.9M/107p)
• 2004 Development Charges Background Study (last updated on July 23,2004 -  11M) Warning: Due to the large size of this document, viewing may be slow.
  This document is presented as part of a process to lead to the approval of new development charge by-laws in compliance with the Development Charges Act, 1997 (DCA).
• Development Charges Rates (Rates as at July 1, 2010 -  11K/1p)
• Development Charges Information Package (Rates as at July 1, 2010 -  249k/12p)

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES INFORMATION PACKAGE
RATES AS AT JULY 1, 2010

With over 900 high-technology businesses and a legion of international and national head offices to its credit Markham is "Canada's High-Tech Capital". Markham's population is poised for tremendous growth over the next decade, increasing from its current level of 275,000 to just under 300,000 by 2021. Markham has well-planned attractive streetscapes, residential subdivisions, business parks and natural spaces which sets it apart from other communities and makes it a desirable place to both work and live.

Development charges should be taken into consideration in the planning of any residential or non-residential project. Detailed below are some of the key characteristics of development charges and the manner in which they are calculated, imposed and collected.

What are development charges?
On November 23, 1989, the Development Charges Act was introduced to bring greater uniformity to the widely varied lot levy practices of the past. Development charges replaced lot levies as the primary way for Ontario municipalities to raise funds for required services and infrastructure improvements resulting from development.

Every development application is evaluated to determine to what extent development charges are applicable.

Development charges are now governed by the Development Charges Act, 1997.

Do I have to pay?
You may be required to pay development charges for any residential or non-residential development if you are:

• erecting a new (not replacement) building(s)
• making an addition or alteration to an existing building(s) which increases the gross floor area or number of units
• redeveloping a property or properties which result in a change of use

Certain exemptions exist within the by-laws. Therefore, it is recommended that you investigate whether your property is eligible for an exemption. To find out if exemptions are applicable to your project, please contact Mr. Raymond Law 905-475-4742 at the Town of Markham or check with each jurisdiction listed in the section "Who Do I call for more information?"

Who collects these charges?
The Town of Markham collects development charges and education development charges on behalf of itself and three external jurisdictions. Charges are collected on behalf of and remitted to the Region of York, the York District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board as required by law. Each jurisdiction is responsible for setting the rates of its own development charges and for determining any exemptions.

When are the charges collected?
For subdivisions, a portion of the total development charges is required at the time the subdivision agreement is executed. The balance is collected at the building permit stage.

All development charges must be paid in full prior to the issuance of a building permit.

What is an area specific development charge?
An area specific development charge is applied by the municipality in areas where services and infrastructure benefit a specific geographical area. As a result, municipal development charges are more equitably distributed.

Landowners may enter into front-ending or credit agreements with the municipality to provide infrastructure works and services instead of paying all or a portion of the applicable area specific charge.

How much can I expect to pay?
The amount of development charges you are required to pay depends on several factors, including:

• Type of development - Is it residential or non residential  Is it a single detached dwelling or apartment?
  
  
• Size of development - For residential developments, a combination of the site area (in net hectares) and the number and type of dwelling units.
  
  For non-residential development, a combination of the floor area and site area (in net hectares).
  
  
• Location of Development - Where your property is located will determine if an area specific development charge is applicable.
  
  
• Indexing of charge rates - Each jurisdiction indexes its charges from time to time.
  
  
• Exemptions - Development charges are not intended to be collected more than once for the same service. Exemptions may be permitted if a service has already been provided, the development replaces some of the floor area eliminated via demolition, or as approved by the affected jurisdiction.

In all instances you must establish that the proposed development is entitled to an exemption. You should check with each jurisdiction to determine if you qualify for any exemptions.

Who do I call for more information?
Each jurisdiction passes its own by-laws to regulate the administration of their development charges. Copies of Markham's development charge by-laws are available at:

Clerk's Department
Town of Markham Anthony Roman Centre
101 Town Centre Boulevard, "Great Hall" entrance
Tel. 905-475-4744
Between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily

To serve you better, there are several municipal contacts who can assist you with or direct your general inquiries to the appropriate staff. Departments which may be able to deal with your general inquiries include:

• Building Standards at 905-475-4870
• Economic Development Office at 905-475-4878
• Financial Services at 905-475-4742
• Development Services at 905-475-4861

For inquiries dealing with calculations and exemptions, each jurisdiction should be contacted with respect to their respective development charge by-laws. The contact persons are listed below:

Rates
The rates as at July 1, 2010 for all jurisdictions are detailed below. The rates are subject to change/indexing in accordance with various by-laws. Exemptions etc. are the responsibility of the individual jurisdiction.

RESIDENTIAL

NON-RESIDENTIAL

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE TOWN WIDE CHARGES, THE FOLLOWING AREA SPECIFIC CHARGES APPLY TO ALL RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OCCURRING IN THOSE AREAS. THE CHARGE IS CALCULATED ON A PER NET HECTARE BASIS.

THE FOLLOWING EXTERNAL JURISDICTIONS CHARGE DEVELOPMENT CHARGES (RESIDENTIAL CHARGES ARE ON A PER UNIT BASIS, NON RESIDENTIAL IS ON A PER SQ. METER BASIS.)

** Note: The Region's non-residential charge has been split between Industrial/Office/Institutional (I.O.I.) development and Retail development.

Calculation Sample and Worksheet
Calculation Worksheet Residential is a sample residential and Calculation Worksheet Non-Residential is a sample non-residential calculation together with a worksheet so that you may calculate an estimate for your project. Should you need assistance with your calculation please contact Mr. Raymond Law 905-475-4742 at the Town.

The sample residential calculation is for a single family home on 0.05 hectares of land in Area Specific #5 Armadale.

The sample non-residential calculation is for an Industrial/Office/Institutional class building with 2,503 m2 of gross floor area on 0.926 hectares of land in Area Specific #5 Armadale.

Area Specific Map provides details of the various Area Specific areas in the Town. If you are unsure of the actual Area Specific area your project is in please contact Mr. Raymond Law 905-475-4742 at the Town. We require either the civic address or legal description of the property to confirm the Area Specific area.

To complete your calculation you will require the following information:

Residential Projects

• Type of units (singles/semis, townhouses, small apartments¹ / 1 bedroom or less, large apartments² / 2 bedroom plus)
• Number of units
• Size of lot(s) in net hectares Net hectares means the area of land in hectares net of all lands conveyed into public ownership.

Non-residential Projects

• Gross floor area (GFA) in square meters (m2)
• Main purpose of the building (industrial, office, institutional, retail)
• Size of lot(s) in hectares

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¹Small Apartments have a floor area equal to or less than 750 sq ft.
²Large Apartments have a floor area greater than 750 sq ft.

Calculation Worksheet Residential
Calculation Worksheet Non-Residential

Area Specific Map
The maps detailing the various Area Specific boundaries are shown on 10, 11 and 12 of the Development Charges Information Package. The Area Specific names and numbers relating to the numerical references on the maps are detailed below. Should you encounter difficulty in determining which Area Specific your project is located please contact Mr. Raymond law at 905-475-4742.

1. Area Specific Development Charge Areas 1
2. Area Specific Development Charge Areas 2
3. Area Specific Development Charge Areas 3