If approved, Prince Edward County could begin regulating short-term accommodations in the municipality.
Council is looking to approve a by-law that would license, regulate and govern the operation of short-term accommodation (STA) dwelling rentals, or AirBnBs, in the County.
The by-law states, no person shall use or operate any STA dwelling unless they hold a current licence and no person shall advertise an STA without a licence.
If approved, short-term accommodations legally existing will have until the end of next year to obtain a licence from the municipality.
The process to implement this by-law began a couple of years ago and has seen support for both sides of the argument.
The by-law would see a maximum of eight people per STA, a maximum of four STA dwelling guest rooms on the same lot and fire code compliance.
A Short Term Accommodation dwelling shall only be permitted in areas where it is permitted use as set out in the County’s Zoning By-law as well.
When it comes to Bed and Breakfasts, a Bed & Breakfast establishment shall only be permitted in a principal residence and shall be limited to a maximum of four guest rooms per establishment and while being operated as a Bed & Breakfast establishment, they must be occupied and operated by the principal resident while guests occupy or have the right to occupy guest rooms. A Bed & Breakfast establishment may provide and serve breakfast only.
The licensee would also be required to be on site of the STA in an emergency within 60 minutes.
The by-law would also have information that “shall include proof satisfactory to the County, such as an insurance certificate from the Applicant’s insurer, that: a) the Applicant has sufficient general liability insurance in the amount of no less than $2 million; b) the Applicant’s insurance policy contains coverage for damage from fire and does not prevent the applicant from using the subject Property as a Short Term Accommodation; and c) the Applicant’s insurance is cancellable by the Applicant’s insurer on no more than 30 days prior notice.
The by-law states: “a municipality has the authority to implement business licensing in the interest of health and safety, well-being of persons, consumer protection and nuisance control; a municipality has the authority to impose a system of administrative penalties and fees as an additional means of encouraging compliance with this by-law”.
Council meets at Shire Hall at 7 p.m.
