For years, Kamloops builders and developers opposed development cost charges.

DCCs, as they are called, are added on to lots as they are developed in new parts of the city, as a contribution toward the infrastructure costs needed to service an expanded population.

The price gets passed on to the home buyer.

But for the past several years, the City has consulted with the Canadian Home Builders Association Central Interior members to find a palatable middle ground for DCCs.

And so on Tuesday, CHBACI president Brian Hayashi appeared before council not to object to the latest DCC rates, but to acknowledge the consultations.

Council voted to set a 10 per cent municipal assist factor for transportation and one per cent for water, sewer, drainage and parks.

The assist factor is a contribution by the city over and above what the municipality is paying toward the infrastructure for the existing population.

The Local Government Act requires all B.C. municipalities that collect DCCs to provide at least a one per cent assist factor.

Coun. Tina Lange said several years ago, when the City and home builders association were looking at DCCs, there was discussion of charging the costs according to the size of home being constructed.

It was turned down at the time.

Hayashi said there were few small homes being built at that time, so it didn’t make much difference. The idea is being considered now, he said.

City administrator David Trawin said Kamloops has been growing at an average rate of about 1.25 per cent a year. In recent years, there’s been more construction in multi-family housing and in-fill projects, rather than single family houses and expansion into new areas.

That trend means less cost in terms of municipal infrastructure. But it’s unknown how long it will continue.