FAQ

SHORT TERM RENTAL means any residential building where temporary tourist accommodation of 30 days or less is provided.

A current STR is considered legal within the City of Vernon if it is operating in a zone that allows short term rental as a use. It is also considered legal if it meets the definition of a Bed and Breakfast, has a valid Bed and Breakfast business license and is operating in a zone that allows a Bed and Breakfast as a use.

Land use in the City of Vernon is regulated through the City's Zoning Bylaw #5000. Each parcel of land in the City carries a zoning with a list of permitted uses. If a use is not on the list of permitted uses in a given zone, it is not allowed. Currently, Resort Commercial (RTC), Resort Commercial and Residential (RTCA) and Tourist Commercial and Residential (C10A) allow as primary uses “apartment hotel” and “apartment housing, tourist” (other terms for short term rentals). RTC and RTCA also allow as a primary use “semi-detached, tourist housing” and “tourist single detached housing” (i.e. short term rentals). 

There are a broader number of zones in the City that allow Bed and Breakfasts as a use, and the City licenses Bed and Breakfasts. There is currently no business licensing category specific to STRs. The proposed regulations are intended to address this gap.

According to the Accredited BC Accommodations Association, a Bed and Breakfast means an overnight lodging establishment that:

• is the principal residence of the operator
• is residential or agricultural in character
• provides a personalised hospitality experience, and
• provides at least one meal per day at no additional charge.

Under the current proposal, the Bed and Breakfast license and STR Minor business license would be harmonized so their terms are consistent, with the exception of the meal requirement, which is unique to Bed and Breakfast establishments.

The proposed STR business licensing is based on existing neighborhood district boundaries as set out in the City's Official Community Plan and current zoning as set out in the City's Zoning Bylaw #5000. Under the current proposal, any property in the City would be eligible for a STR Minor business license. In order to be eligible for an STR Major license, the property would need to be in the Hillside Residential and Agricultural District or Waterfront Neighborhood Plan Area, colored orange on the feature map. Should regulations be approved, the City will develop an interactive map to enable the public to look up their property and determine eligibility. 

Should new STR regulations be approved, STR operators in Vernon will be required to apply for business licenses. Licensing eligibility would be based on the geographic location and zoning of the property. Under the current proposal, residential properties within the Neighborhood 1 and 2 areas except for the Waterfront Neighborhood Plan Area (coded blue on the feature map) would be eligible only for a Minor License. STR operators renting out secondary residences and/or the entire property in this area would need to adjust their operations to meet the terms of their licensing. There would be a grace period to obtain licensing and come into compliance should regulations be approved.