Development Charges

Development charges are fees paid by new development to fund municipal infrastructure and services related to this growth. These improvements may include items such as sewer pipes and road improvements. Every five years, the municipality conducts a development charges background study to forecast the community’s future residential and non-residential growth to determine future municipal needs and costs.

Are development charges included with property taxes or water and wastewater rates?

No. Development charges are different than property taxes and water and wastewater rates. Development charges represent a source of funding for the design and construction of new municipal infrastructure required to support new developments. Only new construction or additions to existing buildings are required to pay development charge fees.

Property taxes, water rates and wastewater rates are collected and used to pay for the everyday costs of running and maintaining the community. All of Essex's property owners are responsible for these ongoing costs.

Development Charges Brochure

The Development Charge brochure can be picked up at Town Hall located at 33 Talbot Street South, Essex (Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm)

Development Charges By-Laws

Development Charges Background Study

At least every five years, the municipality conducts a development charges background study to forecast the community's future residential and non-residential growth to determine infrastructure needs and costs. This information is used to calculate the amount of money that new development needs to pay in order to cover new infrastructure and services. A background study was performed in 2024 and new charges were adopted with a Development Charges By-law in October 2024.

View the Background Study

Resources

2024 Development Charges Public Meeting Presentation
Presentation Date: August 12, 2024
2024 Development Charge Study - Public questions
August 12, 2024