Short Term Rental Project

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Latest News

The City is seeking to complete an update to its Short Term Rental regulations. This section of TalkRevelstoke will inform you of key upcoming dates on things like Council meeting and public engagement as it relates to the Short Term Rental Project. In addition, check out the "Short Term Rental Documents" section of this page to stay up to date with things like Council reports, presentations, and other pertinent documents related to Short Term Rental.

As the project moves into Phase 2, the City wishes to extend its appreciation to all community members who participated in the public survey that closed March 31, 2025. In total, 517 individuals completed the survey, with the vast majority being permanent residents of Revelstoke. The results of the survey have been posted to the documents section of this page. Staff will now compile the findings and present them to Council on April 22, 2025. Staff will be requesting direction from Council at this meeting to establish a project goal. After the goal is established, staff will prepare policy scenarios to achieve this goal, and analyze the implications to the community under each scenario.

Looking for more information? Sign up for email updates, review the contents of this page, and signup for the City’s weekly newsletter. If you have done all of this and are still keen to learn more, please contact the project manager by emailing str@revelstoke.ca

In a Hurry? Here is What You Need to Know!

The City is completing a review of its Short Term Rental regulatory framework and needs feedback from the community!

Short Term Rental refers to the use of a dwelling unit on a temporary basis (less than 30 days at any one time) for the financial benefit of the property owner to provide accommodation to the traveling public. Short Term Rental differs from a Bed and Breakfast in that a Short Term Rental involves the renting of an entire dwelling unit (whether that’s a single-detached home, condo, or secondary suite), whereas a Bed and Breakfast involves renting rooms within a single-detached home that is occupied by a principal resident.

Revelstoke updated its Short Term Rental regulations in April 2022, clarifying where this use is permitted, expanding allowances in the downtown area and Hay Road area. In October 2023, the Province of BC enacted the Short Term Rental Accommodations Act, giving municipalities more tools to regulate Short Term Rental. In October 2024, Council directed staff to review potential updates to the City’s existing Short Term Rental regulations in light of the new legislation. Through 2025, staff will work to complete public engagement, research with other municipalities in BC, and economic analysis guide any potential bylaw changes. The general phasing of the project is outlined below:

Overview of the Project

The City of Revelstoke is completing a comprehensive review of its Short Term Rental regulations. The project is anticipated to take approximately 12 months to complete and will be using internal resources at the City with some external consultant support to complete an economic analysis.

The scope of the STR review includes:

  • Review of existing STR regulations to identify complexities that can be streamlined;
  • Review of options to regulate STR with a focus on regulations for whole home rentals and those where they are operated by a permanent resident onsite operator, accounting for recent changes introduced by the Province through Bill 35;
  • Public engagement to inform the community of the new provincial legislation, existing STR regulations, and to gather feedback on what the desired intent of STRs; and
  • Review options for regulating STR and present to Council for feedback to be embedded via bylaw.

The objectives of the project include:

  • Improve community understanding of the existing Short Term Rental regulatory framework, the provincial legislation, as well as the implications for opting into the permanent residency requirement.
  • Provide objective information to council and the community on the implications associated with significant restrictions on STR including but not limited to opting into the permanent residency requirement under the Short Term Rental Accommodations Act.
  • Establish a clear objective of what the community is seeking to achieve by updating Short Term Rental regulations.
  • Create a more clear and comprehensive STR regulatory framework in Revelstoke.

How will the public be engaged?

The public engagement strategy is multi-faceted for this project. Staff have developed a project management plan that allows for ample time for the community to provide feedback at key milestones. Below provides specific details and the estimated timing of major public engagement events. While the intent is to follow the engagement process as shown below, these tactics and specific timing of events may be subject to change as the project progresses to ensure that the community has sufficient time to be informed and work with staff to provide feedback. Staff will update TalkRevelstoke should there be any changes to the engagement strategy or timing. In addition to the items below, the City will use the community newsletter, social media, mailouts, newspaper advertisements, Committee of the Whole updates, online surveys, online Q & As, and the Mayor’s YouTube videos to increase awareness about the project and key events.

  1. February 26, 2025: Initial Public Information Meeting that will be held in-person at the Revelstoke Community & Aquatic Centre, MP3 Room (600 Campbell Avenue) as well as online. This meeting was livestreamed provided opportunity for the community to become informed about the project, understand the key milestones and engagement activities, and to ask questions. The meeting can be viewed on the City of Revelstoke Youtube page.
  2. February – March 2025: Initial community survey to gather high level feedback about what the community is seeking to achieve by regulating Short Term Rental in Revelstoke.
  3. May – July 2025: Targeted stakeholder engagement with operators, hoteliers, tourist accommodation industry, City commissions etc. Depending on level of interest, broader community engagement may occur during this time as well, and community surveys as needed.
  4. September – October 2025: Community engagement through Public Information Meetings, surveys (as needed) to gauge support for draft bylaw amendments in advance of formal Council consideration.

Latest News

The City is seeking to complete an update to its Short Term Rental regulations. This section of TalkRevelstoke will inform you of key upcoming dates on things like Council meeting and public engagement as it relates to the Short Term Rental Project. In addition, check out the "Short Term Rental Documents" section of this page to stay up to date with things like Council reports, presentations, and other pertinent documents related to Short Term Rental.

As the project moves into Phase 2, the City wishes to extend its appreciation to all community members who participated in the public survey that closed March 31, 2025. In total, 517 individuals completed the survey, with the vast majority being permanent residents of Revelstoke. The results of the survey have been posted to the documents section of this page. Staff will now compile the findings and present them to Council on April 22, 2025. Staff will be requesting direction from Council at this meeting to establish a project goal. After the goal is established, staff will prepare policy scenarios to achieve this goal, and analyze the implications to the community under each scenario.

Looking for more information? Sign up for email updates, review the contents of this page, and signup for the City’s weekly newsletter. If you have done all of this and are still keen to learn more, please contact the project manager by emailing str@revelstoke.ca

In a Hurry? Here is What You Need to Know!

The City is completing a review of its Short Term Rental regulatory framework and needs feedback from the community!

Short Term Rental refers to the use of a dwelling unit on a temporary basis (less than 30 days at any one time) for the financial benefit of the property owner to provide accommodation to the traveling public. Short Term Rental differs from a Bed and Breakfast in that a Short Term Rental involves the renting of an entire dwelling unit (whether that’s a single-detached home, condo, or secondary suite), whereas a Bed and Breakfast involves renting rooms within a single-detached home that is occupied by a principal resident.

Revelstoke updated its Short Term Rental regulations in April 2022, clarifying where this use is permitted, expanding allowances in the downtown area and Hay Road area. In October 2023, the Province of BC enacted the Short Term Rental Accommodations Act, giving municipalities more tools to regulate Short Term Rental. In October 2024, Council directed staff to review potential updates to the City’s existing Short Term Rental regulations in light of the new legislation. Through 2025, staff will work to complete public engagement, research with other municipalities in BC, and economic analysis guide any potential bylaw changes. The general phasing of the project is outlined below:

Overview of the Project

The City of Revelstoke is completing a comprehensive review of its Short Term Rental regulations. The project is anticipated to take approximately 12 months to complete and will be using internal resources at the City with some external consultant support to complete an economic analysis.

The scope of the STR review includes:

  • Review of existing STR regulations to identify complexities that can be streamlined;
  • Review of options to regulate STR with a focus on regulations for whole home rentals and those where they are operated by a permanent resident onsite operator, accounting for recent changes introduced by the Province through Bill 35;
  • Public engagement to inform the community of the new provincial legislation, existing STR regulations, and to gather feedback on what the desired intent of STRs; and
  • Review options for regulating STR and present to Council for feedback to be embedded via bylaw.

The objectives of the project include:

  • Improve community understanding of the existing Short Term Rental regulatory framework, the provincial legislation, as well as the implications for opting into the permanent residency requirement.
  • Provide objective information to council and the community on the implications associated with significant restrictions on STR including but not limited to opting into the permanent residency requirement under the Short Term Rental Accommodations Act.
  • Establish a clear objective of what the community is seeking to achieve by updating Short Term Rental regulations.
  • Create a more clear and comprehensive STR regulatory framework in Revelstoke.

How will the public be engaged?

The public engagement strategy is multi-faceted for this project. Staff have developed a project management plan that allows for ample time for the community to provide feedback at key milestones. Below provides specific details and the estimated timing of major public engagement events. While the intent is to follow the engagement process as shown below, these tactics and specific timing of events may be subject to change as the project progresses to ensure that the community has sufficient time to be informed and work with staff to provide feedback. Staff will update TalkRevelstoke should there be any changes to the engagement strategy or timing. In addition to the items below, the City will use the community newsletter, social media, mailouts, newspaper advertisements, Committee of the Whole updates, online surveys, online Q & As, and the Mayor’s YouTube videos to increase awareness about the project and key events.

  1. February 26, 2025: Initial Public Information Meeting that will be held in-person at the Revelstoke Community & Aquatic Centre, MP3 Room (600 Campbell Avenue) as well as online. This meeting was livestreamed provided opportunity for the community to become informed about the project, understand the key milestones and engagement activities, and to ask questions. The meeting can be viewed on the City of Revelstoke Youtube page.
  2. February – March 2025: Initial community survey to gather high level feedback about what the community is seeking to achieve by regulating Short Term Rental in Revelstoke.
  3. May – July 2025: Targeted stakeholder engagement with operators, hoteliers, tourist accommodation industry, City commissions etc. Depending on level of interest, broader community engagement may occur during this time as well, and community surveys as needed.
  4. September – October 2025: Community engagement through Public Information Meetings, surveys (as needed) to gauge support for draft bylaw amendments in advance of formal Council consideration.

Have a Question? Post it here!

Ask a question about the project and staff will be happy to respond. 

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  • Share Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? Question repeated due to un-satisfactory response. Consider this scenario... A homeowner occupies their primary suite and chooses to rent their secondary suite to one individual (John). The secondary suite has 2 bedrooms. One bedroom is occupied by John and the other bedroom is vacant. John wishes to share his home with one temporary occupant. Why is John prohibited from operating his dwelling as a BnB? John's dwelling cannot be legally separated from the main unit, therefore should be classified as a single family dwelling. Definintion: "A secondary suite is a complete living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities contained within another dwelling. The two dwelling units (the primary residence and the secondary suite) and any common spaces make up a single real estate entity. A secondary suite cannot be stratified or otherwise legally separated from the main unit." Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/secondary-suites on Facebook Share Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? Question repeated due to un-satisfactory response. Consider this scenario... A homeowner occupies their primary suite and chooses to rent their secondary suite to one individual (John). The secondary suite has 2 bedrooms. One bedroom is occupied by John and the other bedroom is vacant. John wishes to share his home with one temporary occupant. Why is John prohibited from operating his dwelling as a BnB? John's dwelling cannot be legally separated from the main unit, therefore should be classified as a single family dwelling. Definintion: "A secondary suite is a complete living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities contained within another dwelling. The two dwelling units (the primary residence and the secondary suite) and any common spaces make up a single real estate entity. A secondary suite cannot be stratified or otherwise legally separated from the main unit." Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/secondary-suites on Twitter Share Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? Question repeated due to un-satisfactory response. Consider this scenario... A homeowner occupies their primary suite and chooses to rent their secondary suite to one individual (John). The secondary suite has 2 bedrooms. One bedroom is occupied by John and the other bedroom is vacant. John wishes to share his home with one temporary occupant. Why is John prohibited from operating his dwelling as a BnB? John's dwelling cannot be legally separated from the main unit, therefore should be classified as a single family dwelling. Definintion: "A secondary suite is a complete living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities contained within another dwelling. The two dwelling units (the primary residence and the secondary suite) and any common spaces make up a single real estate entity. A secondary suite cannot be stratified or otherwise legally separated from the main unit." Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/secondary-suites on Linkedin Email Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? Question repeated due to un-satisfactory response. Consider this scenario... A homeowner occupies their primary suite and chooses to rent their secondary suite to one individual (John). The secondary suite has 2 bedrooms. One bedroom is occupied by John and the other bedroom is vacant. John wishes to share his home with one temporary occupant. Why is John prohibited from operating his dwelling as a BnB? John's dwelling cannot be legally separated from the main unit, therefore should be classified as a single family dwelling. Definintion: "A secondary suite is a complete living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities contained within another dwelling. The two dwelling units (the primary residence and the secondary suite) and any common spaces make up a single real estate entity. A secondary suite cannot be stratified or otherwise legally separated from the main unit." Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/secondary-suites link

    Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? Question repeated due to un-satisfactory response. Consider this scenario... A homeowner occupies their primary suite and chooses to rent their secondary suite to one individual (John). The secondary suite has 2 bedrooms. One bedroom is occupied by John and the other bedroom is vacant. John wishes to share his home with one temporary occupant. Why is John prohibited from operating his dwelling as a BnB? John's dwelling cannot be legally separated from the main unit, therefore should be classified as a single family dwelling. Definintion: "A secondary suite is a complete living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities contained within another dwelling. The two dwelling units (the primary residence and the secondary suite) and any common spaces make up a single real estate entity. A secondary suite cannot be stratified or otherwise legally separated from the main unit." Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/secondary-suites

    JM asked 19 days ago

    Hello JM,

    As indicated in the prior response, this would change the use from a B&B to a short term rental (STR), which may not be permitted in your zoning. If STR is not permitted in your zoning, then you cannot undertake that use. See the definition of short term renal and B&B in the zoning bylaw for further information (remember, a B&B is out of the single family dwelling - STR is out of a separate dwelling unit that is self contained, which includes a secondary suite). Some zones in the City do allow a secondary suite to be used as a short term rental, please refer to the short term rental factsheet on the City's webpage for more information on the different rules for STR in different zones.

    If you think a STR should be permitted in a secondary suite in all standard residential zones the same way a B&B is permitted, it is recommended that you participate as part of this process to provide feedback to this effect. The public survey closed March 31, and there will be further opportunities for specific engagement. I also recommend posting this in the ideas tool of TalkRevelstoke so other community members can comment on the idea. 

    Under zoning and BCBC, a secondary suite is not classified as a single-family dwelling. It is its own separate use. And yes, you are correct, a title cannot be raised for a secondary suite. This would make the building a two-unit dwelling under zoning regulations, and have implications for code compliance (fire separation etc.). 

    Regards,

    Paul 

  • Share Two questions: 1. Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? 2. Do any by-laws currently exist to restrict off-street parking requirements per bedroom for long term rentals, and how are they enforced? on Facebook Share Two questions: 1. Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? 2. Do any by-laws currently exist to restrict off-street parking requirements per bedroom for long term rentals, and how are they enforced? on Twitter Share Two questions: 1. Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? 2. Do any by-laws currently exist to restrict off-street parking requirements per bedroom for long term rentals, and how are they enforced? on Linkedin Email Two questions: 1. Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? 2. Do any by-laws currently exist to restrict off-street parking requirements per bedroom for long term rentals, and how are they enforced? link

    Two questions: 1. Why are BnB's prohibited from operating in conjunction with secondary suites? 2. Do any by-laws currently exist to restrict off-street parking requirements per bedroom for long term rentals, and how are they enforced?

    JM asked 23 days ago

    Hi JM,

    Great questions. 

    1. If a secondary suite is run as a B&B, this would constitute a short term rental use. STR is temporary accommodation in a self-contained dwelling unit, whereas a B&B entails sharing your single family home with temporary occupants. 

    2. The current use for long term rental (boarding, lodging and rooming house) has minimum parking requirements. Parking would be evaluated as part of a business license, and would be enforced based on complaints. 

    Have a great week,

    Paul

  • Share As for "Targeted stakeholder engagement with operators", which STR Operators will you be consulting with and in what manner of contact since there is no formal organization of STR Operators? Will all those with active STR licenses be included in the engagement process equal to the hoteliers? on Facebook Share As for "Targeted stakeholder engagement with operators", which STR Operators will you be consulting with and in what manner of contact since there is no formal organization of STR Operators? Will all those with active STR licenses be included in the engagement process equal to the hoteliers? on Twitter Share As for "Targeted stakeholder engagement with operators", which STR Operators will you be consulting with and in what manner of contact since there is no formal organization of STR Operators? Will all those with active STR licenses be included in the engagement process equal to the hoteliers? on Linkedin Email As for "Targeted stakeholder engagement with operators", which STR Operators will you be consulting with and in what manner of contact since there is no formal organization of STR Operators? Will all those with active STR licenses be included in the engagement process equal to the hoteliers? link

    As for "Targeted stakeholder engagement with operators", which STR Operators will you be consulting with and in what manner of contact since there is no formal organization of STR Operators? Will all those with active STR licenses be included in the engagement process equal to the hoteliers?

    C.S. asked 2 months ago

    Hi C.S., 

    General operators are invited to participate as part of public engagement events (we have about 240 licenses issued currently with varying requirements for each licensee depending on zoning). Targeted engagement with the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Revelstoke etc. will be undertaken as part of this project. I note that there are property management companies who are part of these organizations who manage various individual Short Term Rental properties in the City. 

  • Share Is this Short Term Rental Project primarily aimed at addressing the BC Provincial STR legislation for opting in or out, reforming the Municipal Short Term Rental Bylaws, or does it encompass both aspects? on Facebook Share Is this Short Term Rental Project primarily aimed at addressing the BC Provincial STR legislation for opting in or out, reforming the Municipal Short Term Rental Bylaws, or does it encompass both aspects? on Twitter Share Is this Short Term Rental Project primarily aimed at addressing the BC Provincial STR legislation for opting in or out, reforming the Municipal Short Term Rental Bylaws, or does it encompass both aspects? on Linkedin Email Is this Short Term Rental Project primarily aimed at addressing the BC Provincial STR legislation for opting in or out, reforming the Municipal Short Term Rental Bylaws, or does it encompass both aspects? link

    Is this Short Term Rental Project primarily aimed at addressing the BC Provincial STR legislation for opting in or out, reforming the Municipal Short Term Rental Bylaws, or does it encompass both aspects?

    C.S. asked 2 months ago

    Hi C.S.,

    The only item that can be opted into with respect to the provincial legislation is the principal residence requirement. All other legislative requirements are applicable for Revelstoke. The project intends to get an understanding from the public and council on what is the community goal with respect to regulating Short Term Rentals. Once this goal is established, then staff can come up with different policy scenarios on how this goal could be accomplished, and complete an economic analysis giving the potential outcomes of each scenario. Depending on feedback received, opting into the principal residence requirement may be part of one policy scenario. The best way to think about the provincial principal residence requirement is as one tool in the toolbox, rather than the main focus of the project. Keep in mind even without opting into the provincial principal residence requirement, we can still implement a local principal residence requirement (which we already do in some parts of the City). A lot of tools to consider in how to best manage Short Term Rentals for Revelstoke! 

  • Share How does the Council and City Staff intend to address the reopening of STR (Short-Term Rental) rules in light of potential economic impacts, such as decreased softwood lumber exports due to looming US tariffs and reduced traffic from CP Rail exports? Is there a concern that revising these regulations could further limit economic opportunities for our community, potentially leading to a ban on STRs? on Facebook Share How does the Council and City Staff intend to address the reopening of STR (Short-Term Rental) rules in light of potential economic impacts, such as decreased softwood lumber exports due to looming US tariffs and reduced traffic from CP Rail exports? Is there a concern that revising these regulations could further limit economic opportunities for our community, potentially leading to a ban on STRs? on Twitter Share How does the Council and City Staff intend to address the reopening of STR (Short-Term Rental) rules in light of potential economic impacts, such as decreased softwood lumber exports due to looming US tariffs and reduced traffic from CP Rail exports? Is there a concern that revising these regulations could further limit economic opportunities for our community, potentially leading to a ban on STRs? on Linkedin Email How does the Council and City Staff intend to address the reopening of STR (Short-Term Rental) rules in light of potential economic impacts, such as decreased softwood lumber exports due to looming US tariffs and reduced traffic from CP Rail exports? Is there a concern that revising these regulations could further limit economic opportunities for our community, potentially leading to a ban on STRs? link

    How does the Council and City Staff intend to address the reopening of STR (Short-Term Rental) rules in light of potential economic impacts, such as decreased softwood lumber exports due to looming US tariffs and reduced traffic from CP Rail exports? Is there a concern that revising these regulations could further limit economic opportunities for our community, potentially leading to a ban on STRs?

    C.S. asked about 2 months ago

    Hi C.S., 

    This is a great question, and while we don't have a crystal ball on how other items will play out in the economy, completing an economic analysis to better understand the potential impacts of different rules around Short Term Rental is a critical part of this project. 

  • Share What motivated the City to reevaluate the short-term rental (STR) rules and regulations, and will this enable successive Councils and their members to modify these rules every four years? How can we guarantee that these policies, which significantly affect residents, maintain a degree of stability? on Facebook Share What motivated the City to reevaluate the short-term rental (STR) rules and regulations, and will this enable successive Councils and their members to modify these rules every four years? How can we guarantee that these policies, which significantly affect residents, maintain a degree of stability? on Twitter Share What motivated the City to reevaluate the short-term rental (STR) rules and regulations, and will this enable successive Councils and their members to modify these rules every four years? How can we guarantee that these policies, which significantly affect residents, maintain a degree of stability? on Linkedin Email What motivated the City to reevaluate the short-term rental (STR) rules and regulations, and will this enable successive Councils and their members to modify these rules every four years? How can we guarantee that these policies, which significantly affect residents, maintain a degree of stability? link

    What motivated the City to reevaluate the short-term rental (STR) rules and regulations, and will this enable successive Councils and their members to modify these rules every four years? How can we guarantee that these policies, which significantly affect residents, maintain a degree of stability?

    C.S. asked about 2 months ago

    Hi C.S., 

    The current regulations are under review in accordance with direction received by Council on October 22, 2024. You can check out the staff report and corresponding meeting minutes here. Changes in provincial regulations introduced through Bill 35 which gives municipalities more tools to regulate Short Term Rental was one of the components that triggered a review of CIty regulations. 

  • Share Can you currently apply for a B&B licence or are they on hold until the end of this project? on Facebook Share Can you currently apply for a B&B licence or are they on hold until the end of this project? on Twitter Share Can you currently apply for a B&B licence or are they on hold until the end of this project? on Linkedin Email Can you currently apply for a B&B licence or are they on hold until the end of this project? link

    Can you currently apply for a B&B licence or are they on hold until the end of this project?

    Kathleen asked about 2 months ago

    Hi Kathleen,


    Yes you can currently apply for a Bed and Breakfast business license. Just make sure that the zoning of your property permits Bed and Breakfast as a permitted use prior to making an application. After you apply, staff will review and complete inspections to ensure that the application complies with applicable bylaw requirements. 

Page last updated: 01 Apr 2025, 12:09 PM