Can I run an Airbnb here? Do I need a licence?
In the District Municipality of West Vancouver, British Columbia, short-term rentals rules are set by West Vancouver Business Licence Bylaw 4455, consolidated to 5419, 2026 and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-10-26. A licence is required. Zones allowed: Accessory to residential use; not on Single Family Dwelling Zone or Duplex Dwelling Zone parcel with Child Care.
| licence required | yes | s. 7.10.1(a) |
| owner occupancy required | yes | s. 7.10.1(g) |
Section 7.10: short-term rental operators need a District licence and must show the licence number in all ads. Limits: 8 guests, one STR per operator, principal residence only, none in vehicles, RVs or unlicensed suites, no cooking in room rentals. Requires owner/strata approval, booking records, a fire safety plan, extinguishers, interconnected smoke alarms and annual testing.
| owner occupancy required | yes | s. 130.18(2)(b) |
| zones allowed | Accessory to residential use; not on Single Family Dwelling Zone or Duplex Dwelling Zone parcel with Child Care | s. 130.18(1); s. 130.18(4) |
Section 130.18 permits STRs accessory to residential use, with one host per dwelling and a principal-residence rule. Where principal and accessory dwellings share a lot, one unit may operate without the host-residence condition. STRs are excluded from specified parcels containing child care.
Operator guidance: Council adopted bylaw amendments Nov 25, 2024; rules, licence process and neighbourhood bylaw compliance.
Council adopted zoning and licensing amendments Nov 25, 2024 to allow STRs; program effective Jan 1, 2025; STR business licence required under Business Licence Bylaw 4455 (accessed via Wayback).