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SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION RENTAL (STAR)
Good Host
GUIDE
creating great stays
Short-Term Accommodation Rentals
STAR
The Town of Sylvan Lake requires all STAR operators to
be licensed. This helps ensure the safety of rental
properties, fosters good neighbour relations, and helps
both guests and hosts prepare for what to expect from
the STAR experience.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A STAR LICENSE?
If your property is part of a condo association,
homeowners association or property management
company or the like you must have written
permission from the affiliations to apply.
You must be the owner to make application for a
STAR. Business, societies, corporations,
partnerships, limited or sole proprietorships are not
permitted to apply.
IS YOUR PROPERTY ELIGIBLE FOR A STAR?
The Town of Sylvan Lake requires all short-term
accommodation rentals (STARs) to be licensed.
Licensing helps ensure the quality and safety of
accommodations for visitors and provides
guidance for hosts.
This Guide is intended to inform a Short-Term
Accommodation Rental (STAR) host of relevant
bylaws and recommended good neighbour and
home safety practices. Hosts are required to
follow the regulations set out in the STAR Bylaw.
The bylaw identifies what is and is not considered
a STAR property, the application process, and the
safety requirements STAR operators are required
to meet. See the full bylaw at sylvanlake.ca for
complete details.
What is a STAR?
The business of offering a home, or a portion
of, to a guest for a stay of 28 days or less.
GFCI - A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a
type of circuit breaker that is designed to quickly
shut-off electric power in the event of a ground-
fault.
POTABLE WATER - water that is fit and suitable
for drinking
ALBERTA BUILDING CODE - design and
construction standards, including barrier-free
access in new buildings and energy efficiency for
housing and small buildings.
MY ALBERTA HEALTH - is a website from the
Government of Alberta for personal health
management. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/
WHAT IS...
Maximum of 2 adults per
bedroom
children under the age of 18
years does not calculate into the
occupancy
Maximum of 1 additional
sleeping space with 2 adults
maximum
Parking is based on the number
of bedrooms applied for
OCCUPANCY
THINGS TO KNOW
What you need for the
STAR application
Short-Term Accommodation Rentals
STAR
Before starting your online application
for a STAR ensure you have the following
items ready for the application
Home Safety & Evacuation Floor Plan
Sleeping Plan
Parking Plan
Current Certificate of Title
(no older than 30 days)
*for a new purchase you can provide
the legal documents from the lawyer
showing ownership
Approval of the condo association,
homeowners association or property
management company if you belong to
one. The letter must include:
permission
address
allocated parking for the property
Photos of the property
outside - front & back
parking
bedrooms
sleeping space (if applied for)
maximum of 12 photos
The plan must contain all exits and be displayed in each
bedroom, sleeping space and in the entryway of the STAR.
The plan must identify:
all rooms (bedrooms, kitchen, livingroom, etc)
the location of a sleeping space is you are applying for
one
all the doors and windows
all fire extinguishers and their location
the fire exit from the STAR for each bedroom and
sleeping space
HOME SAFETY & EVACUATION FLOOR PLAN
SLEEPING PLAN
The plan must identify the following:
each bedroom
number of beds per bedroom
the location of a sleeping space (if applied for)
PARKING PLAN
Parking is based on the type of house, and the number of
bedrooms applied for and approved. Your parking plan
must show:
the property
location of the parking stalls
dimensions of the stalls
surfacing of the stalls.
Parking spaces inside a garage can count towards
meeting the parking requirements only if you plan to
make them accessible to your guests.
CURRENT CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
MUST BE WITHIN 30 DAYS
A current certificate of title, issued within 30 days is
required. If you do not have a current certificate you
can purchase one from the provincial registry office or
you can opt for the Town to provide the certificate for a
fee of $20.
APPROVAL
If your property is part of a condominium association,
home owners association or property management
company you must provide written approval from the
company allowing the STAR. The letter must contain:
civic address of the STAR
parking specific to the STAR
peace of mind
STAR properties are required to be maintained
for the basics of life and safety. Ensuring that
your property meets safety requirements
protects both your property and guests in the
event of an emergency.
Property Requirements
Telephone number of the owner which is
accessible 24 hours a day, the occupancy count
and license number must be posted inside the
main entrance of the STAR.
POSTED INFORMATION
No more than one booking is permitted in a STAR
at one time.
OVERLAPPING BOOKINGS
All marking must include the license number and
approved occupancy issued by the Town.
MARKETING
SAFETY INFORMATION
Ensure all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide
detectors and fire extinguishers are in working
order and not expired.
NUMBER OF GUESTS
Occupancy is based on the number of bedrooms
and can include one (1) sleeping space.
The maximum occupancy per bedroom and
sleeping space is 2 adults per.
Children under the age of 18 years are not
included in the calculation of occupancy.
The plan must be displayed in each bedroom, sleeping
space and in the entryway of the STAR.
HOME SAFETY & EVACUATION FLOOR PLAN
PARKING
Parking is based on the number of bedrooms.
Approved parking must be made available to
your guests.
SLEEPING SPACE
A sleeping space must have clear and easy egress
from the dwelling.
parking
1 to 3 bedrooms - existing requirement for the dwelling unit
(total 2)
4 bedrooms - one (1) additional parking stall (total 3)
5 to 6 bedrooms - two (2) additional parking stalls (total 4)
ENTIRE DWELLING UNIT
(DETACHED, DUPLEX, MANUFACTURED HOME, ROW
HOUSING, TRIPLEX, FOUR-PLEX)
SECONDARY SUITE
1 to 2 bedrooms - existing requirement for the dwelling unit
(total 3)
GARAGE SUITE
1 to 2 bedrooms - existing requirement for the dwelling unit
(total 3)
3 to 4 bedrooms - one (1) additional parking stall (total 4)
APARTMENTS AND STACKED ROW HOUSING
1 - 2 bedroom - one (1) parking stall
3 bedrooms - two (2) parking stalls
A PORTION OF A DWELLING UNIT
(DETACHED, DUPLEX, MANUFACTURED HOME, ROW
HOUSING, TRIPLEX, FOUR-PLEX)
1 to 3 bedrooms - one (1) additional parking stall (total 3)
4 bedrooms - two (2) additional parking stalls (total 4)
5 to 6 bedrooms - three (3) additional parking stalls (total 5)
how many parking stalls do
you need?
parking
Parking areas must be hard surfaced if access is gained directly from or to a paved road with the exception of a
lane
Parking areas must be hard surfaced or contain all weather surfaces (gravel) if access is gained directly from a
lane
No relaxation to the parking requirements will be considered
Tandem parking may be considered at the discretion of the Licensing Inspector
All parking stalls must be contained on the property
On street parking will not be considered to meet the parking requirements
Parking allowance from another property is not permitted
One (1) additional parking stall for every one (1) bedroom added thereafter
ADDITIONAL PARKING INFORMATION
what are the dimensions of
a parking stalls?
PARKING ANGLE
(IN DEGREES)
0
45
60
90
MINIMUM STALL
WIDTH
2.6M
8.5FT
2.6M
8.5FT
2.6M
8.5FT
2.6M
8.5FT
MINIMUM STALL
LENGTH
9.0M
29.53FT
5.7M
18.17FT
6.0M
19.69FT
5.5M
18.0FT
planning for safe stays
Home Escape Plan - Sleeping Plan
HOME ESCAPE PLAN
1.You can print the grid on the next page or use a floor plan you already have of the property that includes
all doors and windows
2.Draw two ways out of every room, either a door or a window
3.Pick a meeting place outside where everyone should gather in case of an emergency. This can be an
easily recognizable nearby landmark like a neighbour's house, tree, or telephone pole
4.Remember to never go back into a burning building
SLEEPING PLAN
1.You can print the grid on the next page or use a floor plan you already have of the property that includes
all bedrooms and one (1)sleeping space if applied for
2.Indicate how many beds in each bedroom
planning for safe stays
Home Escape Plan - Sleeping Plan
frequently asked questions
Can I operate a STAR within a secondary suite?
Yes, a STAR is a permitted use in secondary suites and garage suites. Please note that only one (1) STAR
can operate per parcel.
If I live in my house, can I rent out a bedroom or two as a STAR?
Yes, a portion of a house can be rented as a STAR if you are the homeowner. Please note that:
Can I operate a STAR if I don't own my home?
No, the operator of the STAR must be the property owner.
If I rent my house for more than 30 days is it still a STAR?
No, a STAR is for stays for 28 days or less.
What are non-compliance points for a STAR?
The non-compliance points are a warning system to let hosts know that there is a problem with the operation of
the STAR. They are similar to the driver's license demerit points. If you are a good driver, you received no
points. The non-compliance points can be removed after 2 years.
I live in a condo, do I need the permission of the condo board?
Yes, a letter from the condo board authorizing the property to be used as a STAR is required. The letter must
also contain the parking that is provided for your condo.
there can be no overlapping bookings
if the basement is being rented it must have free flowing access to the house
there cannot be locking doors between the entrance to each floor
Can parking on the road be considered to qualify for the parking requirements?
No, parking must be contained on the property to qualify.
Property and Community Guidelines
STARs are often located within
residential neighbourhoods. Guest
noise, traffic, and negative behavious
can negatively impact neighbouring
residents. We encourage hosts to
provided the Good Guest Guidebook
and to ask the guest to be good
neighbours.
The Town recently introduced a visitor
pay parking program to improve
parking availability along the
waterfront, and generate revenue to
help with waterfront park upkeep.
Your guests can visit the Visitor Pay
Parking Page for more information:
sylvanlake.ca/public-services/parking
or call 403 887 2199.
Garbage and Recycling
Black carts with blue lids ("Blue Carts"),
are for recycling, and black carts with
black lids are for regular garbage.
Place waste out by 8:00 AM on
your collection day;
All bagged garbage must fit neatly
in your cart, with the lid closed;
For more information go to:
sylvanlake.ca/public-
services/garbage-recycling
Dogs must be leashed, and in control at
all times, except in the designated off-
leash Dog Park. Dog owners must pick
up after their dog.
For more information go to the
Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw:
sylvanlake.ca/your-
government/bylaws-and-
policies/municipal-enforcement
Animal Services
Town of Sylvan Lake bylaws are in place to ensure good neighbour relations and help keep communities safe
and enjoyable for everyone. Understand the bylaws and provide your guests with the regulations so they are
aware. These may include Town of Sylvan Lake Community Standards Bylaw, Animal Control Bylaw, etc. If
your property is part of a condominium association, be sure to check the association's bylaws.
good hosts are good neighbours
SECTION
OFFENCE
NON-
COMPLIANC
E POINTS
25 (e) -
(k)
Breach of conditions of a short-term accommodation rental licensing requirements
7
33
Marketing a short-term accommodation rental that does not include a valid license number
3
33
Marketing a short-term accommodation rental that does not includes the approved occupancy
3
34
Fail to display in each bedroom, sleeping space and in the entryway of the short-term rental, a home
safety and evacuation plan
3
36
Fail to display the license number, occupancy count and the contact telephone number of the owner
directly inside the main entrance of the short-term accommodation rental with the document supplied by
the Licensing Inspector.
3
37
Fail to facilitate a periodic inspection within a 72 hour notice of the short-term accommodation rental
property as requested and conducted by the Licensing Inspector
7
38
Fail to cooperate with the Licensing Inspector, RCMP, Municipal Enforcement, Sylvan Lake Fire
Department or Alberta Health Services during an investigation of any complaint associated with the short-
term accommodation rental
7
40
Fail to ensure that the guests of the short-term rental are in compliance with the Town's Community
Standards Bylaw
3
42
Permitting more than one booking at a time in a short-term accommodation rental
3
43
Permitting an accommodation within a recreational vehicle, tent or an accessory building that is not an
approved garage suite.
5
44
Permitting the use of a bedroom that is not identified and approved
5
45
Permitting a bedroom to exceed the approved occupancy for that bedroom
5
non-compliance points
What are non-compliance points?
Non-compliance points are a warning system for the host in the
operation of the STAR when there are contraventions of the bylaw.
What is the maximum number of points you
can receive?
7 points. Then you receive a letter immediately revoking your STAR
license.
How long are points on my file?
Points remain on your file for 2 years.
find amazing guests
next steps
The Good Host Guide provides an overview of
the STAR licensing process and what to
consider before you get started. The next step
is to complete the license application form
online with all the details about your property.
Rae-Anne Ornella, Business Licensing Inspector
Town of Sylvan Lake
403 864 5663
[email protected]
sylvanlake.ca/licensing
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT BUSINESS LICENSING
Advertise Your Property
Being a licensed STAR gives your property the greatest
reach to attract guests. The Town of Sylvan Lake offers
several advertising opportunities to licensed STAR
providers.
All licensed businesses are included in the Town of Sylvan
Lake online business directory at
https://geo.sylvanlake.ca/businessdirectory/
Get involved with tourism! Licensed tourism businesses
are encouraged to register for the Tourism Partnership
Program at sylvanlake.ca/business-
development/tourism-development. As a Tourism
Partner, your property is listed on the visitsylvanlake.ca
visitor website and map.
visitsylvanlake.ca provides visitor information and
destination marketing from the Town of Sylvan Lake.
Connect on social media by tagging your posts
@visitsylvanlake for the chance to be shared.
As a licensed STAR, your property can also be directly
recommended through the Town of Sylvan Lake's visitor
information services.
Tips for Successful Hosting
Create great visitor stays by providing your guests with
information, assistance and resources to build an amazing,
memorable vacation in Sylvan Lake.
Have visitor information brochures available in the property for
guests. These could include maps and promotional material from
attractions or restaurants you love and would recommend, and
highlight the best things to do in the area.
Connect your guests with Visit Sylvan Lake, the Town of Sylvan
Lake's umbrella for visitor information services. Your guests can
find the best experiences, restaurants and shops, and direct
assistance for any questions at visitsylvanlake.ca or on all social
media @visitsylvanlake. In-person or phone assistance for visitor
inquiries is also provided through the NexSource Centre's
reception desk at 403 887 1192.
Fill in the blank information areas in the Good Guest guide and
leave a copy for your guests. The Good Guest Guide lets your
guests know what to expect from the STAR experience and
connects them with visitor attractions and services.
Remember
When advertising your STAR you must include:
license number
occupancy count issued by the Town