Proposed short-term rental bylaw would impose cap of 265 units

ELORA – Centre Wellington council got a look at a slightly changed proposed short-term rental accommodation bylaw on Feb. 23,

But that’s not the end of consultation on the bylaw, which aims to regulate Airbnbs and bed and breakfasts in the township.

Council first saw the draft bylaw last April and then had a workshop in November to really tuck into the language, terms and implications.

Township solicitor Paul Dray presented the revised bylaw and highlighted the following changes:

• definitions to provide clarification that will also align with the zoning bylaw;
• enhanced provisions to regulate short-term rental accommodations and bed and breakfast establishments;
• establishing a maximum occupancy of eight, or two persons per bedroom;
• bed and breakfast establishments restricted to the primary residence of the owner or on the same property as the owner resides;
• inclusion of provisions related to bed and breakfasts;
• cap on the number of licenses established at 265;
• only one short-term rental accommodation or bed and breakfast licence permitted per property;
• establishment of a licensing appeal tribunal;
• inclusion of the demerit point system to be used for issuing, suspension, refusal to issue and revocation of a licence;
• inspection and site plan requirements for short-term rental accommodations and bed and breakfasts;
• requirement to comply with a renter’s code of conduct;
• three-year licence period from issue date;
• license transfer provisions; and
• enforcement tools, including administrative penalties.

A scan conducted in January found there were 235 unique rentals in the township. Capping at 265 would allow for some growth until the bylaw is enacted in 2027.

While council only looked at the licensing bylaw, a zoning bylaw would also have to be enacted to allow such a use on a property.

“The adoption of the zoning bylaw amendment together with the licensing bylaw will provide the necessary tools to effectively license and regulate short-term rental accommodations and bed and breakfast establishments,” clerk Kerri O’Kane stated in her report.

Council accepted the report for information and agreed with the staff recommendation to post the licensing bylaw on Connect CW for more comment, and to hold a public meeting on March 23 regarding the draft zoning bylaw amendment.

Both will return to council in April for a decision.

The new bylaw will require a new software system to manage, monitor and enforce it, so staff expect the bylaws will launch in early 2027.