City welcomes public comment on options for short-term rental regulation
By Nelson Daily Staff
The City of Nelson is encouraging the public to provide feedback on short-term rental (STR) regulation from now until July 18.
In a media release the City said this draft outlines possibilities to regulate STRs by establishing licence requirements as well as restrictions on how they operate and how many there may be.
“The outlined options, based on the input thus far, would limit the future growth of STRs, but would allow most existing STRs to continue operating — provided that they meet all requirements,” the release said.
“A short online survey will receive public comment.”
The survey opened Saturday and runs until 8 a.m. July 18.
The release said that these are draft concepts that have not been reviewed by Council and public input received on these ideas will aide in presenting robust, realistic proposals to Council in the coming month.
Short-term rentals are the commercial accommodation of guests on residential property – a room, apartment, secondary suite, or house – on a temporary basis of fewer than 30 days.
The City estimates that, in addition to licenced bed & breakfasts, there are over 120 short-term rentals in Nelson. Not all operate full-time and year-round, however.
Under current bylaws, unlicensed or non-conforming STRs would be subject to the non-compliance fine of up to $500 per day. An enforcement plan and budget will be presented to Council.
The City said public consultations have proven very beneficial.
Nearly 350 people participated in the two recent online surveys while there were over 40 people in attendance at the June 21st Town Hall Meeting.
A report on the Town Hall meeting as well as complete survey results are available on the str.nelson.ca website under Policy Updates.
A report to Council is expected to be delivered by the end of August.
