Short-term rentals — Bowen Island, British Columbia
Can I run an Airbnb here? Do I need a licence?
In the Island Municipality of Bowen Island, British Columbia, short-term rentals rules are set by Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (consolidated December 2024) and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-10-15. A licence is required. Fee: Residential Guest Accommodation: $300 licence, $200 application; Bed and Breakfast: $150 licence, $200 application. Zones allowed: Property host's principal residence; one secondary suite/accessory dwelling on same lot; accessory buildings on same lot.
Bowen Island Municipality Business Licence Bylaw No. 465, 2018 (consolidated December 2024)
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
s. 3
owner occupancy required
no
s. 25(b); s. 26(b)
zones allowed
Property host's principal residence; one secondary suite/accessory dwelling on same lot; accessory buildings on same lot.
s. 25; s. 26
fee
Residential Guest Accommodation: $300 licence, $200 application; Bed and Breakfast: $150 licence, $200 application.
Schedule "A"
scout note
Business licence bylaw with a Short-Term Rental Accommodation Service part (ss.25-28): residential guest accommodation licence, principal-residence requirement (Bill 35 opt-in), licence number in ads, host duties and licence conditions.
Bowen Island Municipality Land Use Bylaw No. 57, 2002 (consolidated November 2025)
adopted bylaw
Zoning bylaw defining principal residence, residential guest accommodation (RGA) and short-term rental terms; RGA listed as an accessory use in residential zones; amended by Bylaw 660, 2024 for STR principal residence.
Bowen Island Short-Term Rental Policy #19-05 (adopted 2019-11-25)
Council policy that first allowed whole-dwelling short-term rental as Residential Guest Accommodation; superseded in part by Bill 35 changes.
Land Use Amendment Bylaw No. 660, 2024 (STR Principal Residence)
Amendment adding STR definitions and principal-residence provisions to the Land Use Bylaw; included in current consolidation.
Short-Term Rentals - Bowen Island Municipality
Council opted in to the BC principal residence requirement on 2024-03-25 (effective 2024-11-01); Bed & Breakfast (365 days, resident operator) vs Residential Guest Accommodation (entire unit, max 120 days/yr); provincial registry applies.