Short-term rental enforcement a concern for residents

ERIN – Residents have expressed concerns about enforcement for a newly proposed short-term rental bylaw in Erin.

Town staff presented the draft regulations to council on May 14. Council heard short-term rentals would face limitations and requirements aimed at reducing problems and nuisance issues.

The rules include:

• a three bedroom limit;
• half a parking space per bedroom;
• one short-term rental per lot;
• limiting stays to a month; and
• restricting rentals to an owner’s principal residence, unless the owner has an accessory dwelling or alternative accommodation. 

Town bylaw officer Martyna Sliwiak told council non-compliance would be handled on a complaint basis by herself during the week, with police responding on weekends.

The proposed bylaw suggests enforcing short-term rental violations using existing parking property standards and noise bylaws.

Resident Marieke Wevers told council the town should have enforcement staff rather than relying on police.

Hillsburgh resident Sanjay Bedi told council he’s concerned permitted uses aren’t addressed in the bylaw.

“Can you set up a reality show and start filming there for a month? I mean, things can happen, certainly in the rural areas, and that’s a concern,” said Bedi.

Staff said the town cannot support a licensing bylaw, also suggested by Bedi.

Resident Trevor Crystal, who operates a bed and breakfast in town, said property owners should be on site while guests are present, citing his own business as an example.

“One of the reasons why we have had zero complaints in a decade is that we are always present when there are people staying at our bed and breakfast,” said Crystal.

Councillor Jamie Cheyne asked if council could later amend the bylaw.

Town planning and development manager David Waters said the bylaw is “an evolution” – staff could later advance a licensing bylaw.

What about financial implications for property owners, asked councillor Cathy Aylard?

No fees are proposed, Waters told council, adding that would need to be done through a licensing program.

Councillor Bridget Ryan questioned the complaint process, asking, “[Do] we immediately call bylaw or go talk to the owners?”

Sliwiak said she investigates complaints, noting, “We do have owner information on hand ... and I would follow up with the owner [of the property] directly with any violations and enforce it through the existing zoning bylaws.”

The proposed bylaw was received for information and will return to council at a future meeting.