Zoning Equals Taxation, and Conformity

Plain and simple.
Yup.
Specific zoning equals specific taxation applicable to that zone.
And hefty fines.

The District of Coldstream is responding to--albeit after the fact--changes brought about by an increasingly online world.

The Mayor's June 2019 Community newsletter on Page 7, under Short-Term Rentals, addresses the issue of the popular AirBnB, VRBO, and Owners Direct rentals.

The District's zoning bylaw was recently rewritten and property owners are reminded that the only residential properties where short-term residential rental is allowed are ones where Residential Bed and Breakfast use is permitted.

If your property has not been zoned RBB (Residential Bed and Breakfast), RCD1 (Residential Comprehensive Development 1), RE2 (Residential Estate 2), RU1 (Rural 1), RU-ALR (Rural 2), or RU-LH (Rural 3), you may not offer your property (either individual rooms or the entire house) for short-term rentals.


So if your property is R1 (Residential Single Unit), or R6 (Residential Recreation), short-term rentals are not an allowed use.

The newsletter doesn't indicate how long (days, weeks, months)--or how short--the term is.

So does that apply to a new "monthly" tenant who decides to vacate the premises after one month?
Or after one week?
It appears to apply to where you have advertised the property for rent.

That's a tad murky.
What isn't murky is the fine the community will levy if you are in violation of your zoning.

"If we receive complaints about this type of rental happening, you can expect a letter from the District requesting that you stop this type of activity...you can be ticketed with a fine of $500 for each day that the use is occurring," the article states.

In conclusion, the newsletter states "If you are thinking about operating a short-term rental, please contact the District Planning Department to discuss the process to have your property rezoned for a Bed and Breakfast use."

...because "the District does expect people to comply with its bylaws."

Pay.  
And.
Conform.

"It appears Coldstream wants one of your sheckles," Kia would've said.

An acquaintance suggested she was looking to buy a property where she could offer a bed, but no food...probably necessitating an entirely new zone.  *grin*

Snitches, which appear to be encouraged, should jot down the District's telephone number...