Mapleton council has endorsed maintaining the “status quo” when it comes to regulating short-term rentals in the township.
Approved at a Mapleton council meeting Tuesday evening, staff originally proposed a licensing bylaw to help “strike a balance” between the benefits of short-term rentals (STRs) while mitigating potential negative effects related to their operation to encourage operators to be accountable.
Instead, Mapleton council voted in favour of permitting STRs in a principal residence in the township’s zoning bylaw with no additional regulation. This means any STRs outside of the principal residence will require a zoning bylaw amendment or minor variance.
Staff said the draft bylaw was created in response to the growing demand for secondary units to be used as short-term rental accommodations and the province announcing three additional rental accommodations were to be permitted as of right.
While the township does permit bed and breakfasts, STRs are currently not included in the township’s zoning bylaw. Staff are unaware of how many STRs exist in the township outside of those who have made themselves known.
In discussions about whether to go with the licensing system, Coun. Marlene Ottens said she feels like any problems with STRs can be solved regardless of whether the township has a short-term policy in place.
When asked what real or perceived risk exists if the township chooses not to regulate STRs, CAO Manny Baron said he doesn’t know but will bring back that information to a future council meeting.
Planning and development manager, Michelle Brown said the more hands-off the township is, the less risk there will be since the township does not currently regulate STRs in any way.
Coun. Lori Woodham said she would be supportive of approving the definition of a short-term rental in the township’s zoning bylaw to give the planning department some context.
A draft bylaw will come back to council for approval at a later date.