Kelowna is only weeks away from implementing its long-awaited short term rental regulations.
Homeowners hoping to host services such as Airbnb can apply for a business license starting Wednesday, April 23.
Those looking to host short term renters during the busy summer season must obtain a license before July 1.
Licenses will cost operators $345 annually for their principal residence, however, a $750 license will be available for secondary properties in select areas with tourist commercial (C9) and health district (HD2) zoning.
Similar business licenses are required across B.C., in Vancouver a permit costs $49, in Victoria $150 and in Nelson $800.
Council will consider a separate bylaw regulating short-term rentals in secondary suites and carriage houses later this spring.
Before the regulations came in effect on Monday, Kelowna had an estimated 1,900 short term rental listings.
“A short-term rental accommodation is essentially a home business that operates similar to a hotel or a bed and breakfast – both of which follow their own set of regulations,” said Greg Wise, Business Licence Manager.
“Applying similar rules to short-term rental operators supports consistency within Kelowna’s accommodation industry.”
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