Licensing your Short Term Accommodation (STA)
We are here to help you through new regulations, which require you to register and license your Short Term Accommodations (STAs).
To apply for a business licence, provide the completed Application Package to the Business Licensing Desk at West Kelowna Municipal Hall for processing and payment.
For Short Term Resort Accommodations, those properties located in the Resort Apartment or Resort Townhouse C6, CD2 and C7 Zones, please click here.
Get started today
Watch our video below and follow these steps to register and license your STA:
- Read the Operator Guidebook
- Complete the Application Form
- Include the Parking Site Plan
- Include the Fire Safety Plan
- Include the Self Evaluation Safety Audit Attestation
- Include the Good Neighbour Agreement
- Include the Owner or Strata Authorization Form, if applicable
- Submit the one-time application fee for the Short Term Accommodation, $250)
- Submit the Short Term Accommodation Business Licence Fee, $500 (to be renewed annually)
- Once registered and licensed, ensure your STA marketing and listings include the valid licence number we’ve issued to you.
Why are regulations required?
Well-operated STAs benefit everyone, playing an important role in the community and local tourism; and regulations ensure that operators respect the health and well-being of their guests and mitigate potential negative impacts on neighbours.
Will the City enforce regulations?
Yes, the City will follow up on all STA complaints we receive.
Submit a complaint about an STA
Operators may receive fines between $250 and $1,000 per day, per offence, at the discretion of bylaw enforcement. Operators who fail to meet the regulations and requirements, and those who have multiple offences will be subject to higher fine amounts per day, per offence with the possibility of having their Short Term Accommodation Business Licence suspended or revoked.
Watch our walkthrough video
About Short Term Accommodations (STAs) |
Short Term Accommodations (STAs) are a form of accommodation where a part of a principal residence is rented to visitors for periods of less than 30 days. STAs are a type of hospitality service; and, like hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts (B and Bs), form part of the greater tourism industry. However, unlike traditional accommodations, such as hotels and resorts, STAs have the advantage of being located in a variety of neighbourhoods and a diversity of dwelling types, sizes, and locations, which may make use of local amenities. |
Access the Operator Guidebook - take a look! |
The Operator Guidebook is a great source of information for those looking to become a permitted operator or know more about Short Term Accommodations. It provides:
Access the Operator Guidebook here! |
Am I Eligible to Operate a Permitted Short Term Accommodation? |
Short Term Accommodations must only operate out of a single detached dwelling (house), secondary suite, or carriage house. See below for examples. Accessory buildings, recreational vehicles or any other buildings or structures cannot be rented as STAs.
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Application Package |
To apply for a business licence, you must provide a completed Application Package. Print the PDF application package and submit it to the Business Licensing Desk at Municipal Hall for processing and payment; or, start by picking up your package at Municipal Hall. Required documents and fees:
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Questions and answers |
1. When did the new regulations take effect? 2. Where can I operate a Short Term Accommodation (STA)? 3. What is a principal residence? 4. What is the length of time that I can rent an STA? 5. Can I leave on a vacation as an STA operator? 6. I currently operate an STA, what is changing with the new regulations? 7. If I am operating a bed and breakfast, can I operate an STA? 8. Can I rent out my house for STAs if I live in a carriage house on the same property? 9. Can I rent multiple rooms as an STA operator? 10. Can I have multiple guests/parties if I have more than one bedroom? 11. How can I tell if my property is zoned to permit an STA? |
Summary of the process to date |
Council directed staff to regulate the operation of Short Term Accommodations (STAS), with the process to include a review of regional comparisons and stakeholder and public consultations. An online questionnaire, which was open to the public between Nov. 30, 2020 and Jan. 3, 2021 helped inform the development of the STA regulations. Staff also received feedback from Council at various times throughout the process to refine the scope and expectations of regulations.
July 13, 2021 - Adoption June 22, 2021 - Short Term Accommodations third reading Council considered two reports outlining the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments and Regulatory Bylaw Amendments to regulate Short Term Accommodations, which had previously been given second reading as amended on May 11, 2021, and a public hearing on June 8, 2021. June 8, 2021 - Public Hearing A Public Hearing was held June 8, 2021 regarding the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments to regulate Short Term Accommodations, which was given second reading, as amended May 11, 2021. A total of fifteen written submissions were received and thirteen speakers addressed Council: May 11, 2021 - Zoning Amendment Bylaw - second reading as amended Council considered a report which outlined how the results of the decision point from April 6 were incorporated into the amended regulations for Short Term Accommodations within the Zoning Bylaw. April 6, 2021 - Short Term Accommodation Regulations Decision Points March 16, 2021 - Public Hearing A Public Hearing was held March 16, 2021 regarding the proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments to regulate Short Term Accommodations, which were given first and second readings Feb. 23, 2021. Sixty-six written submissions were received and 26 speakers addressed Council: Feb. 23, 2021 - Short Term Accommodation Regulations first and second readings Jan. 26, 2021 - Information Update Nov. 24, 2020 - Proposed Regulation Program Sept. 29, 2020 - Decision points regarding Short Term Accommodations |
Timeline - key dates |
Phase 1 – Project initiated, October 2020 Phase 2 – Research and draft program development, October and November 2020 Phase 3 – Engagement draft program, November 2020 to January 2021 Phase 4 – Draft regulations and bylaw amendments, January and February 2021 Phase 5 – Amendments and public hearings, April to June 2021)
Phase 6 – Adoption and implementation, July 2021 to January 2022 |
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