Progress on enforcing short-term rentals in Penetanguishene inched forward at the recent council meeting, but will still require more work on the licensing bylaw draft and the zoning bylaw appeal process.
Planning staff brought forward the latest staff recommendations for committee of the whole endorsement of the draft licensing bylaw, but were met with additional questions and scrutiny from the public.
Townsfolk have held widespread opinions on the spectrum of acceptance for short-term rental (STR) accommodations since their explosion of popularity last year, with some good STR operators praising the proposed regulations and some residents immovably opposed to STRs whatsoever.
The most recent licensing bylaw draft included options on staffing resources and fees for implementations to administer the bylaw. Staff recommended hiring a part time staff member and engaging external STR compliance service through either Granicus or Harmari at the highest bylaw service level, with an application fee proposed at $700.
A Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), geared toward “any transient accommodation including STRs, hotels, motels, boat slips, and campsites”, was discussed with the County of Simcoe for options. Staff did not recommend the MAT as an option, suggesting it be addressed separately for implications and details.
Further information can be found on the short-term rentals page of the Connect Penetanguishene website.
The draft comprehensive short term rental licensing bylaw report can be located on the agenda page of the Town of Penetanguishene website.