Short-Term Rental Accommodation

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Why regulate Short Term Rental Accommodations (STRA’s)

Over the past several years, as the STRA market grew in South Bruce Peninsula, Council experienced a substantial increase in the number of complaints and concerns regarding these rental properties.

Issues related to noise, nuisance, fireworks, waste management, parking, rental capacities and septic systems have become common place.

In order for Council to address these concerns from their constituents while still recognizing the benefits of STRA’s; Licensing became the logical choice.  

**All Short-Term Rental Accommodation providers MUST obtain a licence prior to renting**

The Town of South Bruce Peninsula has a large number of Short-Term Rental Accommodations. These accommodations provide many benefits to our local economy, as well as provide additional income for homeowners. On the flip side, Short-Term Rental Accommodations can also impact character and quality of neighbourhoods. Licencing these accommodations will bring Short-Term Rental Accommodations into conformity with the Town’s Zoning Bylaw as well as, create rules and regulations to ensure that Short Term-Rental Accommodations will not adversely impact neighbouring property owners. Licencing will also ensure that occupants are provided with safe accommodations. 

A Short-Term Rental Accommodation means:

The commercial use of a residential dwelling that may be rented for up to 30 consecutive days as temporary accommodation, lodging or occupancy by way of concession, permit, lease, license, rental, rental agreement or similar arrangement, whether written or verbal, unless otherwise prohibited by by-law of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula.

NOTE: The definition of Short Term-Rental Accommodation does not apply to a hotel, motel, tourist cottage rental establishment (that pays commercial property tax), tourist home, campground, bed and breakfast establishment, hospital, long term care home, retirement home, camping establishment, school dormitory (if being rented to students enrolled in educational courses), lodge, motor hotel, boarding/lodging/rooming establishment, temporary farm accommodation, or group home.

NOTE: A ‘garden suite’ is not permitted to be used for Short-Term Rental Accommodation.

NOTE: A 'shed' or conversion of a shed is not permitted to be used for Short-Term Rental Accommodation.

For information on Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licenses, please contact the Licencing and Compliance Officer.

Short-Term Rental Accommodations are also required to participate in the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) program.  

Contact Jack Hammill, Licencing Officer for more information.