Council moves ahead on changes to short-term rental regulations
News release
After receiving more information about upcoming changes to the provincial government’s short-term rental regulations, Council supported staff-recommended amendments to Kelowna’s Zoning Bylaw. The provincial government has also introduced legislation to restrict short-term rentals in an effort to improve housing supply and affordability across B.C.
“Affordability and access to appropriate housing is top of mind for Kelowna residents and all levels of government need to take bold action and work together to address the challenges we’re collectively facing,” said Ryan Smith, Divisional Director of Planning, Climate Action and Development Services. “These changes are being recommended to address challenges being experienced in the community and to turn more units into long-term homes for people.”
In accordance with the provincial legislation and the proposed bylaw amendments, short-term rentals will not be allowed as a principal or secondary land use in Kelowna’s mixed use and residential zones – with few exceptions – effective May 1, 2024. Staff recommended that 498 currently licenced secondary use short-term rentals be allowed to continue operating in Kelowna, even after May 1, with a ‘legally non-conforming’ status, provided they meet provincial principal residence requirements.
The provincial legislation does not apply to hotels, motels, vehicles (such as RVs) and tents or other temporary shelters. There are also limited exemptions to the principal residence requirement which includes strata titled hotels.
Council also directed staff to follow-up at a future meeting with a report outlining specific properties that may be eligible for a potential request to the provincial government for exemption status from the principal residence requirement.
Cities are obligated to align municipal processes with Provincial legislation. As a result, the City of Kelowna is bringing forward a suite of bylaw and policy changes over the coming months in order to meet the new provincial requirements.
For more information, visit: kelowna.ca/short-term-rentals.
