Lakeshore council has outlawed short-term rental accommodations over concerns about safety and a growing housing shortage.
Councillors approved a zoning bylaw amendment on Tuesday to define and prohibit short-term rentals throughout Lakeshore.
Some councillors raised safety concerns over monitoring and enforcement of Ontario’s building and fire codes.
The prohibition does not apply to bed-and-breakfasts or the rental of individual rooms, secondary suites, and homes to long-term tenants.
The bylaw amendment also “clarifies” that renting out short-term rental units is a commercial endeavour, which is not the same as allowing someone to stay for free as a guest.
The town said the rental or leasing of any residential property for less than 28 consecutive days will now fall under the same regulations as bed-and-breakfasts.
Such establishments are only permitted within a single-detached dwelling and must meet minimum standards such as off-street parking and compliance with the Building Code and other municipal by-laws.
Council also approved a motion asking town administration to provide a report on options for licensing and regulating bed-and-breakfast establishments ahead of the 2024 budget.
“As a council, we feel this is a fair and balanced approach which gives short-term rental accommodation operators the opportunity to continue to provide their services to tourists and visitors,” said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey.