A public hearing on recommended changes to Âé¶čAVâs short-term rental zoning bylaw could see a packed house on Nov. 21.
The city will be starting that hearing earlier than usual, at 3 p.m.
âWe are inviting public comment so that council can understand the impacts of the changes being proposed specific to Âé¶čAV, before coming to a decision,â said Ryan Smith, director of planning and development. âAt the same time, we know short-term rentals are having a negative impact on housing availability and affordability across the country â and that more regulatory changes are expected from the province as a result.â
A media release from the city says that âwhile the provincial government has also made recent announcements that may affect short-term rental operation in B.C., the legislative changes by the province are not under consideration at Tuesdayâs hearing.â
It will only focus on proposed changes to the City of Âé¶čAVâs zoning bylaw to remove short-term rental accommodation as a permitted secondary use.
âOur data shows that as many as 50 per cent of the approximately 2,400 short-term rentals currently listed in Âé¶čAV are operating illegally,â said Smith.
If the proposed changes are approved by council, any properties with valid secondary use short-term rental accommodation business licences would be permitted to continue operating.
READ MORE: Âé¶čAV residents to have say on short-term rental restrictions
READ MORE: Feds applaud B.C. moves to limit short-term rentals
