New regulations are in effect for Nanaimo’s operators of short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfasts.
City council, at a meeting Feb. 7, adopted amendments to the bylaw that regulates and permits short-term rentals.
A requirement for a business licence is part of those changes, which come after a review relating to zoning and business licence regulations of short-term rentals.
The city defines short-term rentals as the rental of a room or an entire residential dwelling unit on a temporary basis, often through online platforms such as Airbnb. The number of active short-term rental listings in Nanaimo within the past two years has ranged from 330-585, noted a city press release.
The city announced last week it has published a short-term rental operator’s guide to help inform prospective operators of zoning and bylaw regulations, building and fire safety information, relevant bylaw information – such as the noise control bylaw – and other good neighbour practices. The guide that will be available online and at the counter at the City of Nanaimo’s service and resource centre at 411 Dunsmuir St.
To give short-term rental operators time to familiarize themselves with the new regulations, the city will begin accepting business licence applications on April 1.
“The proposed regulations will allow short-term rentals as an accommodation option while minimizing the impact of these rentals on the long-term rental market,” said Coun. Ben Geselbracht in the release.
To view the guide online, visit http://cnan.ca/37nYTXn. For more information, visit www.nanaimo.ca.
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