Write or register to speak during virtual public hearing on revised short term accommodation regulations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

On June 8, Council will hear from those wishing to provide input during a second public hearing on proposed revisions to short term accommodation regulations. Public feedback is welcomed by writing or calling to pre-register to speak by phone during the proceedings.

Read the revised regulations at westkelownacity.ca/shorttermaccommodations and then send written submissions attention City Clerk. Reference File P 20-16 and include your name and address. Pre-register to speak by calling 778-797-2250 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Email letters to submissions@westkelownacity.ca, leave in person at main reception or place in the drop box outside the main doors of Municipal Hall. All submissions received before the public hearing are provided to Council, but only those submitted before 4:00 p.m. June 7, are included in the publicly posted agenda. Council cannot receive submissions after the public hearing closes.

Those who pre-register to speak will receive a call from staff during the Public Hearing to provide opportunities to address Council in queue; staff is unable to provide time slots so callers must remain available during the hearing. Those who do not pre-register can call 778-797-2250 during the proceedings; however, due to potential high call volumes, the lines may be busy; so please be patient.

Proposed regulations

For complete information, go to westkelownacity.ca/shorttermaccommodations. The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments to regulate short term accommodations include: 

• Allowing principal residents to rent a portion of their primary residence as a short term accommodation for periods of less than one month;
• Requiring operators of short term accommodations to be the principal resident of the property;
• Permitting short term accommodations in all zones which currently permit bed and breakfasts: Agricultural (A1), Rural (RU1-RU5), Residential (R1, R1L), and CD-1(E);
• Allowing a short term accommodation use to only be conducted within a single detached dwelling, secondary suite or carriage house; and, permitting only one dwelling per property to be used for the purpose of a short term accommodation;
• Not permitting short term accommodations on a parcel that contains a bed and breakfast;
• Restricting the occupancy of short term accommodations to a maximum of two adults per bedroom; and, permitting no more than four bedrooms to be used for a short term accommodation;
• Requiring one off-street parking space per one to two bedrooms or two off-street parking spaces per three to four bedrooms;
• Allowing no exterior indication that a short term accommodation is in operation on any parcel, except for permitted signage and required parking; and,
• Only permitting with a connection to a community sewer system.