At the November 27, 2017 meeting Council adopted Business License Bylaw 1368. The bylaw included provisions regarding Short Term Residential Rental Licence Terms and Conditions.
Staff searched online Airbnb, VRBO, etc. sites to determine the number of short term type of businesses that are operating in Oliver and whether they currently hold a business licence. A total of 25 businesses were found online, 14 had no business licence, 6 had a business licence for a Bed & Breakfast however provide a full suite, and the remaining 5 are in compliance with Bed & Breakfast licence.
Correspondence was sent to all businesses advising that the Town of Oliver is aware of the short-term rental being operated at the noted property. Additionally to make them aware of the new terms and conditions that are now in place in order to operate a rental business in Oliver. A copy of the terms and conditions were included for their information.
Property owners were also advised that sewer and recycling fees may be applicable to the short term rental business. Property owners were encouraged to contact the Town of Oliver to obtain assistance in the process to obtain a licence or to assess what type of business was actually being offered by the home owner.
The Town of Oliver heard from 13 business owners with various outcomes;
they never followed through with the operation,
they are disputing the request, or
live in the residence and will send in a dispute letter.
Two operators have come into compliance with a business licence and paying the $750.00 deposit, and one applying for a business licence and is in process.
Two short-term rental operators met with Town staff and provided written correspondence suggesting that the Town may want to consider an additional bylaw provision where the short term rental exists and is an Owner Occupied dwelling. The operator suggests that the inclusion of such a provision would be fair, equitable, and recognize the work of reputable hosts that supports the tourism industry in Oliver. This provision would exclude the $750.00 deposit that is required of short term rental units that are not owner occupied.
Synopsis of these two short-term rental businesses:
1. Owner-occupied business offers a self-contained suite with no meals provided. There has been a comment made to the Town of Oliver of traffic noise from this business.
2. Owner-occupied business with a self-contained suite and provides breakfast supplies for guest use. Have a Bread and Breakfast licence. The advertisement notes that guests can check themselves into the suite. No bylaw concerns relating to this business.
The City of Vancouver recently implemented their short-term rental regulations and are encouraging local governments to follow their provisions if it works for their community. In Vancouver, operators must have a business licence and must include their licence number on all online listings and advertising, or they may be subject to fines up to $1,000 per offence.
Report submitted to Oliver council for consideration and direction.
Update: Council has asked staff for more information and a further report on how other municipalities control the growth of short term rentals (both owner occupied and those that are not really supervised well/owned by absentee landlord).
Council Monday indicated that both B and B’s and short term rental accommodation with an owner on site are preferable tourist businesses in Oliver.