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Short Term Rentals

New bylaws allowing short term rentals in the District are now in effect, and all short term rental operators must have a valid business licence. Under the new regulations, a home owner or principal resident may rent their principal residence for 28 days or less, subject to permitted zoning and conditions.

To get a short term rental business licence:

  1. Ensure the property meets the eligibility requirements.
  2. Submit the following by mail or in person at Municipal Hall: Short-term Rental Business Licence Application along with supporting documents such as site plan with parking details, floor plans, principal residence status documentation (if applicable), ownership verification documentation or Owner Consent Form.
  3. Upon approval, keep your short term rental business in good standing by following the rules and regulations.
  4. Register your short term rental business and pay annual registration fees with the Province through their Short-term Rental Registration.

See our Short Term Rental Guide for more information about applying for and operating a short term rental.

The two categories of short term rental uses now included in the District's Zoning and Business Licence bylaws are Short term Commercial Accommodation Guest Unit (formerly a bed and breakfast use), and Short term Commercial Accommodation Principal Residence.

Responsible person means a person designated as the primary contact who is available 24 hours a day to respond to guest or any nuisance complaint within two hours of notification.

Regulation Summary

  Guest Unit Principal Residence
Occupancy Status Occupied as a principal residence Occupied as a principal residence
Maximum room rentals 1 less the total number of bedrooms not exceeding 4 bedrooms 5 bedrooms (Note: properties subject to ALC regulations are restricted to 4 bedrooms)
Onsite residency during lodging period Principal resident must be onsite Principal resident may or may not be onsite (conditions apply)
Business Licence required Yes Yes
Display 24 hour contact phone number No Yes
Display Business Licence Yes Yes
Rezoning required for short term rental use No No
Maximum number of occupants 6 10
Parking 1 space per room rented to a maximum of 4 spaces 1 space per room rented to a maximum of 4 spaces
Minimum lot size requirement No No
Designated responsible person Not applicable, principal resident onsite during rental Yes

 

Guest Unit and Principal Residence short term rental uses are permitted in the zones listed below.

 

  • Agricultural (A)
  • Small Lot Agricultural (A1)
  • Rural Residential (RR1)
  • Rural Residential 2 (RR2)
  • Rural Residential 3 (RR3)
  • Lake Area Residential (RL)
  • Resource Management (MR)
  • Comprehensive Development 2 (CD2)

Where a short-term rental is proposed within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the rental must comply with the Agricultural Land Commission Act, and all regulations and orders of the Agricultural Land Commission.

See also:

Licence Fees

  • Guest Unit $125
  • Principal Residence $500

Fees must be paid at the time the application is filed, then annually as per business licencing requirements.

Compliance

We work to ensure short term rental operators comply with rules and regulations. Operators may face fines of up to $500 per day, per offence.

  • Operate or market a short term rental without a valid business licence
  • Market or allow use of an unauthorized short-term rental exceeding approved guest units.
  • Operate contrary to zoning restrictions
  • Fail to display responsible person information
  • Fail to update contact information for operator / responsible person
  • Fail to attend premises within the required time period

We actively inspect short term rentals and operators must, upon request by the District, provide access to the short term rental for inspection. Operators understand that District staff may:

  • Audit short term rental licences and all required documentation; and
  • Request evidence that supports the information on a licence application.

The Licence Inspector has the authority to refuse, suspend, or cancel a licence for reasonable cause.

Noise

Many short term rental properties are near other residential homes. Please be respectful of the public and neighbours at all times of the day. See our Noise Bylaw for more information.

Parking

Be aware of designated parking spaces to avoid imposing on neighbouring lots or the street. See our Zoning Bylaw for more information.

Animals

Guests must control their dogs and keep them on a leash in public spaces, unless within a designated off-leash dog park. Guests must pick up after their dog. Check out Animal Control Services for more information.

Garbage and Recycling

Guests should have access to garbage, compost and recycling bins as required. Learn more about garbage, recycling and composting in the District.

To report a suspected illegal short-term rental, or to file a complaint about parking, noise or other issues, please fill out our Report a Concern form, or call us directly at 604-796-2235.

Contact Us

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District of Kent
Box 70, 7170 Cheam Avenue
Agassiz, BC
V0M 1A0

Contact Us
Phone: 604-796-2235
Fax: 604-796-9854

Business Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
We are closed on statutory holidays.

Emergency after hours calls for Utilities or Public Works, please call 1-866-951-3718