The City of Burnaby has introduced new regulations for short-term rentals aimed at protecting the City’s long-term housing stock and preventing disruptions to local neighbourhoods while providing homeowners with the opportunity to earn extra income through an emerging trend in the tourism industry.
“It’s important that we do all we can to create a proper balance with housing in our community. We need housing that is available and affordable, so everyone can live here,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “At the same time, we want to support tourism and ensure residents benefit from emerging technologies and marketplaces.”
City Council is considering amendments to the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw, Business Licence Bylaw, Business Licence Fees Bylaw and the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw in order to create a program for Burnaby homeowners who wish to operate a short-term rental within their principal residence.
The proposed bylaw amendments are based on the framework adopted by Council in July 2020 and include the following key regulations:
- Homeowners may only list their principal residence as a short-term rental property;
- Short-term rentals are not permitted in rental units, secondary suites, and flex units;
- Up to four unrelated guests, or six people within the same family are permitted to stay in a short-term rental property at any one time; and
- Homeowners are limited to renting their principal residence as a short-term rental for a maximum of 90 nights per calendar year, of which 28 nights may include the rental of the homeowner’s entire principal residence.
Details on the proposed bylaw amendments are available in the December 7 2020 report to City Council that may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office at 604-294-7290.
Residents have the opportunity to provide feedback on these amendments ahead of a public hearing scheduled for January 26, 2021. Written correspondence should be addressed to: Office of the City Clerk, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 1M2, or sent via email to [email protected].
Burnaby residents may also provide in-person feedback on the zoning bylaw changes at the public hearing meeting scheduled for January 26, 2021.
For more information on how to participate in a public hearing, visit burnaby.ca/publichearings.
Burnaby introduced this framework in response to the rapid growth of online platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, which facilitate the booking of private residences as tourist accommodations. While these platforms are popular with tourists and homeowners, the framework is intended to protect both the supply and affordability of long-term rental housing, as well as the liveability and security of residential neighbourhoods and buildings.
Learn More: Short-term rental proposed bylaw amendments
Media Contact:
Chris Bryan
Manager, Corporate Communications
Corporate Communications and Marketing Departments
604-570-3616 | [email protected]