Westside vacation home owners or those with space to offer can have their say on proposed changes that will open up opportunities for short-term rental regulations in the region.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is hosting an open house at the Killiney Beach Community Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. and at the same time at the Wilson’s Landing Fire Hall.
The event aims to inform residents of proposed changes to the regulations in Electoral Areas East and West, and seek public engagement.
Defined as stays of 90 days or less, short-term rentals (STRs), will require a business licences from both the RDCO and the province.
The RDCO is proposing continuing to license a maximum of one STR per property, allowing STRs in guest rooms or secondary suites and allowing operators to rent out the entire property.
STRs will only be permitted in areas that meet minimum life and safety standards (i.e., within a fire protection area), proper servicing, emergency access, and at least one off-street parking space.
“Our goal with these changes is to support safe, livable communities while offering flexibility for responsible STR operators,” said Brad Dollevoet, RDCO manager of development services. “We want to hear from residents to ensure that these proposed updates strike the right balance.”
Public input is being accepted until Feb. 2 via a survey at rdco.com/str.
“At present, the only permitted STR model is a guest room within the principal residence in selected residential zones (the traditional bed and breakfast model),” according to the North Westside Community Association. “Residents of the Electoral Areas have asked to expand short-term rental opportunities and change RDCO bylaws to better align with other jurisdictions.”
Another open house takes place Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Ellison Heritage Community Centre.