On Nov. 30, the City of West Kelowna launched a questionnaire to allow the community to provide feedback on our Draft Short Term Rental Regulations. Residents have until January 3 to provide their feedback on these draft regulations via an online questionnaire.
As noted by the City, Short Term Rental accommodations are a growing trend and there are a number of opportunities and challenges that surround this type of use, particularly in predominantly residential areas. Short Term Rentals are a form of tourism accommodation, that is typically defined as renting a dwelling (house, apartment, condo townhouse), for a period of less than 30 days. Short Term Rentals are a form of accommodation service, and like hotels, resorts, and Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs), serve the greater tourism industry. However, unlike traditional accommodation services like hotels and resorts, Short Term Rentals have the advantage of being located in a variety of neighbourhoods and a diversity of dwelling types, sizes, and locations which may make use of local amenities.
Table 2 – Proposed Short Term Rental Regulations
| Permitted Dwelling Forms | Within a Single Detached Dwelling |
| Parcel Criteria | – Not permitted on properties with a Secondary Suite or Carriage House; – Connection to community sewer system required (unless written approval for septic disposal capacity) |
| Occupancy | – Up to 3 Guest Rooms (No more than 6 guests) |
| Operator | – Must be the occupant of the Single Detached Dwelling |
| Bookings | – Only 1 booking at a time permitted |
| Required Parking | – 1.0 parking space for 1-2 guest rooms – 2.0 parking spaces for 3 guest rooms |
| Additional Licencing Requirements | – Entire dwelling may be rented while operator is away (Maximum 6 guests) – A local contact must be identified to respond to concerns if the operator is away – Operator must sign a Good Neighbour Agreement – Operator must provide proof of occupancy (through homeowner grant, drivers licence, government records or utility bills) – Operator must provide a Self-Evaluation Safety Audit |
More details and regulations available here which include options based on based on Council direction and results of the proposed Public & Stakeholder Engagement Program for:
- Permitting Short Term Rentals on properties with Secondary Suites or Carriage Houses
- Invoking licence caps to limit the number of Short Term Rental business licences within the City or within specific neighbourhoods or geographic areas
- Requirement of a Short Term Rental operator to notify neighbours of the use and contact information in case of any neighbour concerns
- Restrictions on the number of nights a Short Term Rental can be rented for annually
The City will be requesting additional staff to assist with implementation of this new licensing program including a full time Business Licencing Supervisor and access to a casual Clerk to assist the existing 0.5 FTE Business Licence Clerk.
To offset the funding needed to implement and maintain this new initiative Short Term operators will be required to purchase a Short Term Rental License (cost TBD) and non-compliance daily fines (Bylaw No. 0095 (MTI Bylaw)) will be increased to $1000.
We strongly encourage you to participate in this feedback process as Short Term Rentals are a hot commodity in our neighbourhood and it is important our views are heard.
The GBGP Community Association will also be working to draft a letter to council et al with regards to our detailed concerns and recommendations as it affects this area. If you have an opinion on this topic you would like to share to our community please contact us.
Gellatly Bay Goats Peak Community Association 