As scenic destinations grow more saturated with STRs, so have communities like Invermere and the province of British Columbia started to institute new regulations in the interest of balancing residents, property owners, and the economy on tourism.
With upcoming changes to Invermere's business licensing bylaws, current and aspiring Airbnb hosts should be able to understand new rules and how they might affect short-term rental operations.
This article covers new regulations, possible fines, and some of the key definitions that can help guide you through the ever-changing landscape of Airbnb rules in Invermere.
What are the new rules for Airbnb in BC?
With the phenomenal growth of platforms such as Airbnb, this has dramatically changed the short-term rental market in recent years, and because of that, the BC government has created a far-reaching regulation.
Though exempt from some provincial rules currently because of its size and population, Invermere—a small resort town located in the Columbia Valley—has created its own set of regulations to try and manage the impact STRs have on the community.
Invermere's new short-term rental regulations are in effect as of May 2024, upon adoption of Business Licensing Bylaw No. 1647, 2023, as anticipated. This bylaw repeals all the existing business licensing bylaws and includes new provisions concerning STRs. Specifically, they address:
Business License and TUP Requirements: STR operator MUST have a business license for the Municipality of Invermere. Additionally, STR operators in single-family residential zones and low-density residential zones shall require a Temporary Use Permit and a business license. In the absence of the aforementioned, STRs shall not be permitted in the residential zones.
Occupancy Limits: Invermere STRs shall be restricted to a maximum of eight persons at any time, with a maximum of four bedrooms and two persons per bedroom on any one rental unit.
Parking Requirements: Every STR shall include an on-site, dedicated off-street parking. Rentals accommodating 1-4 guests shall provide one parking stall, while those accommodating 5-8 guests shall provide two parking stalls. On-street parking of STR guests shall be prohibited.
Monitoring for Noise: Under the licensing regime, every STR will be mandated to have a noise monitoring system in place to ensure compliance with the District's noise bylaw.
Penalties and Enforcement: The District of Invermere will establish increased fines for offences to the STR Bylaw through amendments to the Municipal Ticketing Information Bylaw.
These new bylaws reduce the STR impact on residential neighbourhoods, still allowing property owners to take advantage of the developing demand for vacation rentals in the community. They also mirror Invermere's commitment to preserving the character and livability of its community, especially in areas with single-family homes.
How Much is the Fine for Airbnb in BC?
Along with the new, more stringent regulations for short-term rentals, BC has also rolled out increased fines for operators who aren't compliant. Some of the province-wide regulations don't apply to Invermere due to the community's smaller population. However, the District has since set its own fine structure for local Airbnb operators operating outside of the designated bylaws.
Penalties for operating an STR outside of the District's new regulations in Invermere increase rapidly. Here's what you need to know about the possible penalties:
Initial Warning: For first-time violations who operate without a Business Licence or TUP, the District will warn the property owner and permit the owner to correct the matter without incurring a financial penalty.
Escalating fines: fines will escalate dramatically if the violation is not remedied or there are repeated offences. While exact figures are yet to be finalized, discussion indicated that fines could start at $500 and rise to $5,000 per infraction for persistent non-compliance. In severe cases, the district can refer the matter to the provincial court, where further penalties can be applied.
Noise and Parking Violations: Some fines are issued for noise-related and parking violations. For example, failure to have a noise monitoring system in place or allowing guests to park on the street could result in fines that fall outside of the realm of licensing fines.
Introducing these fines really sends the message that the District of Invermere is now taking the new STR bylaw seriously. Any property owner who wants to rent out an Airbnb or any other type of STR legally must adhere to the licensing, occupancy, parking, and noise bylaws to avoid heavy fines.
What Constitutes a Short-Term Rental in BC?
There is usually a joint understanding of the meaning of short-term rentals among most municipalities in BC, but the finer rules and regulations may vary from one local to another.
Understanding what is considered a short-term rental is vital for property owners who think about dipping their toes into the Airbnb Invermere vacation rentals, or anywhere else within the province for that matter.
A short-term rental, abbreviated as STR, is typically a rental of a residential property or part of it for less than 30 consecutive days. This may involve entire homes, apartments, or condos that are let for a single night or a few nights.
A single house's room or part of a room could also be a part of it. The most important feature is that STR is short in nature and is different from long-term rentals involving 30 days or more leases.
In Invermere, that very definition is used to define an STR. With the new bylaw, the District has further limited where and how these rentals can be operated:
Principal Residence vs. Investment Property: Although the wider provincial regulations limit STR use to a host's principal residence in community populations over 10,000, Invermere's new bylaws go a bit further toward flexibility. STRs can be rented in property that does not qualify as a principal home, so long as the owner first acquires the requisite business licenses and TUPs.
Zoning and Permitted Areas: While STRs are tolerated within commercially and resort-zoned areas, STRs in single-family and low-density residential zones are only permitted, subject to conditions, upon issuance of a TUP duly approved by the District.
Define Vacation Rentals vs. Short Term Rentals: Define if there is a distinction to be made between vacation rentals, possibly involving longer stays, vs. short-term rentals of shorter periods intended. The regulations and licensing requirements vary according to the length of stay and the nature of the rent agreement.
Hence, homeowners in Invermere considering renting out their home or investment property as an STR should be familiar with these definitions and ensure their practices comply with these bylaws. If not, they will have to pay fines, possibly face lawsuits, or even lose the opportunity to rent out their property on a short-term basis.
Navigating Invermere's New Rules Regarding Airbnb
As Invermere joins other communities throughout the valley implementing new regulations on short-term rentals, an Airbnb host or any other STR operator must stay informed and update their business practices accordingly.
Development of the Business Licensing Bylaw No. 1647, 2023, with associated fines and enforcement, marks the way forward for the District to balance out the many benefits of STRs against the need to preserve the character of residential neighbourhoods.
Success for Airbnb hosts in Invermere will be found in the requirements of the new regulations: getting the license, adhering to the imposed limits on capacity or maximum occupation of a building and parking, and having noise monitoring systems. All these will ensure that, as a host, you keep on creating great memories for visitors and contributing positively to the local community.
With the regulatory landscape constantly changing, it is imperative for everyone involved in the short-term rental industry in Invermere to keep current and seek the advice of local authorities in this regard. By keeping pace with change, property owners can guarantee that their Airbnb operations in this lovely part of British Columbia remain compliant and profitable.
Stay compliant with Invermere's rules when hosting on Airbnb.
Navigating Invermere's regulatory environment for an Airbnb can be very tricky, but you do not have to do it alone. If the new rules overwhelm you or want to ensure your property is up to par, we are here to help. It's overwhelming; we'd happily help with simple advice and support managing your Airbnb property.
Let's make sure your rental is compliant and ready for guests. Get in Touch to start simplifying your Airbnb management.
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