More funding approved for STR enforcement in RDEK

Columbia Valley Pioneer staff

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has increased its Electoral Area Services budget by $71,000 for short-term rental (STR) compliance services.

The board approved the allocation at its October 11 meeting when directors discussed STR compliance on a contractual basis.

In the 10 months since the STR temporary use permit process was initiated, 150 applications were received, with approximately 120 permits issued and three refused. Staff reported the received applications represent approximately 20 per cent of the likely overall number of STRs present in the RDEK, including those existing on parcels zoned to allow for tourist accommodation.

Last year the provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act was adopted containing several provisions that add enforcement mechanisms to  regulate STRs. These mechanisms are limited to local governments where business licensing is in effect. 

Because the RDEK does not currently have a business licensing program, the Act contains minimal enforcement support, resulting in the need for the RDEK to undertake focused enforcement of STRs on its own. 

Staff report that a service provider would assist with address identification to provide information regarding properties being offered as STRs and ownership of those properties. The service provider would also assist with sending enforcement notices to property owners who are in violation of RDEK regulations. 

Staff say that without these services, “achieving significant compliance will be challenging.” 

It is reported the estimated cost of hiring an STR enforcement service provider would be $60,000 per year. The allocation of the $71,000 would include $18,000 for the remainder of 2024 and $53,000 to be allocated to 2025.

The RDEK has received approximately $134,000 in application fees since the initiation of the STR program. The fees are split 60 per cent to bylaw enforcement and 40 per cent to planning.

The board recently adopted an amendment which will increase the STR temporary use permit fees to $1,500 for delegated and $3,000 for non-delegated applications starting January 1, 2025.