Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff
The District of Invermere continues its plan to regulate short-term rental (STR) accommodation by utilizing a revised Business Licensing Bylaw.
Committee of the Whole discussed the staff recommendation on July 11, when it was agreed that consultations be set up with short-term rental operators as well as local residents.
While short-term rental units are permitted in several zones, they are not permitted in some zones including single family and low density residential.
Questions being considered: Should the district limit the number of habitable rooms permitted in short-term rentals? Should it establish minimum on-site parking requirements? And should escalating fines be established to address poor management of STRs?
It is recommended that fines be large enough to offset bylaw enforcement work as well as to discourage illegal rentals.
The district conducted a public survey in 2021, resulting in strong support for regulating these operations. Council has heard previous concerns about short-term rentals relating to loud parties, garbage, and parking congestion.
Many residents have also expressed concern about these units negatively affecting the housing situation by contributing to a lack of long-term rentals.
Mayor Al Miller said their focus right now is to gain feedback from STR operators on the draft bylaw.
