To be introduced by Dale Lindsay, General Manager, Development Services.
Purpose: To provide Council with information related to short-term rental accommodation and recommend related amendments to the City of Nanaimo’s Business Licence, Zoning, and Parking bylaws.
Presentation:
1. David Stewart, Social Planner.
Delegation:
1. Barrie Page to speak regarding Airbnb short term rentals and unoccupied residences.
Recommendation: That the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend Council direct Staff to:
- Prepare amendments to the City of Nanaimo’s “Business Licence Bylaw 1998 No. 5351”, “City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw 2011 No. 4500”, and “Off-Street Parking Regulations Bylaw 2018 No. 7266” in order to:
a) add a definition to “City of Nanaimo Zoning Bylaw 2011 No. 4500” for “Short-Term Rentals”;
b) add the definition of “Permanent Resident”;
c) permit short-term rentals in Residential, Commercial, Downtown, and Corridor zones where the operator is a permanent resident of the dwelling unit or suite;
d) apply existing limits on the number of guests and guestrooms permitted within a bed and breakfast to all short-term rentals;
e) continue to allow short-term rental guestrooms within a secondary suite provided the total number of long- and/or short-term rental rooms does not exceed two per dwelling unit (house and suite);
f) require a business licence for all short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts within the City of Nanaimo based on proof of residency (including two of the following: voter registration, income tax returns, British Columbia driver’s licence, British Columbia medical services card, Home Owner Grant application, and British Columbia identification card); and
g) require one additional parking space for each short-term rental.
- Prepare an explanatory guide and operator declaration form for short-term rentals that outlines short-term rental operator requirements, including providing contact information to Staff and neighbouring residences where the owner can be reached within 24 hours.
- Consult further with stakeholders and the public regarding Council’s recommended option before returning to Council with bylaw amendments.