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* Building and Development
Building Permits
Building Applications & Resources
Development Applications
OCP Amendment
Zoning Amendment
Development Permit
Development Variance Permit
Board of Variance
Subdivision
Notices for Planning and Development
Development Tracker
Green Building
Provincial Housing Changes
Short-Term Rental Accommodations
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
Official Community Plan
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Home › Building and Development › Provincial Housing Changes › Short-Term Rental Accommodations
# Short-Term Rental Accommodations
Bill 35 --*Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act* (the Act) was enacted by the Province on October 23, 2023 to address a growing housing crisis. The Act aims to regulate short-term rentals in communities throughout the province, converting more units into long-term rentals. The legislation will impact short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) in Qualicum Beach as of May 1, 2024.
The Town's zoning regulations do not permit STVRs in residential areas, except for those designated as Bed and Breakfasts. Prohibited STVRs would include the rental of an entire house, secondary suite, garden suite, or carriage house.
At the April 10, 2024, regular Council meeting, Council deliberated on a draft STVR Policy and related Bylaw amendments. The decision was made to maintain restrictions on STVRs in residential areas in Qualicum Beach. The Town will conduct a thorough review of STVR policy and regulations in 2027, rather than taking a reactive approach to provincial legislation.
All STVRs operating outside of the Province and Town's guidelines will be required to come into compliance with both Provincial legislation and applicable Town bylaws and policies.
## Bed and Breakfasts
Residents operating a Bed and Breakfast in Qualicum Beach must meet specific criteria and regulations, including obtaining a valid business license to operate. Bed and Breakfasts currently operating within the Town must ensure compliance with all applicable Town bylaws and policies.
Bed & Breakfast Licence
## FAQ
On October 23, 2023, the Province enacted Bill 35, known as the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (the Act). The Act aims to address the housing crisis and regulate short-term rental listings.
The Act applies to Qualicum Beach. All STVRs currently operating without a business license in the Town will need to come into compliance with both Provincial legislation and applicable Town bylaws and policies or cease operation.
Bed and Breakfast operators will also be required to comply with both provincial and municipal regulations or cease operations.
Yes. The Act applies to all short-term rental platforms:
* Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, FlipKey, etc.
* Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist etc.
* Classified Ads (newspapers etc.)
No. The Town has never permitted STVRs in residential zones, except those designated as Bed and Breakfasts.
Short-term Rental Vacation Rental means the temporary rental (less than 30 consecutive days) of a portion of or the entire dwelling unit, secondary suite, or room, but does not include Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, Hotel or Motel.
The Town allows STVRs in zones where Resort Condominium is a permitted use. However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to confirm compliance with all Provincial Regulations, including the Principal Resident Requirement. An application for a valid business license is required. Subject to the applicant's written confirmation that they comply with Provincial requirements, the Town could issue a STVR business license in these zones.
(C2, C6, C8, C9, and CD1)
The fine for failure to obtain a valid Business License in the Town of Qualicum Beach is $200.00 as per the Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, 2008.
Tickets can be issued daily for each offense. The fine for failure to comply with zoning regulations in the Town of Qualicum Beach is $100.00 as per the Land Use and Subdivision Bylaw No. 590,1999
Tickets can be issued daily for each offense.
### Related Links
Provincial Short-Term Rental Information