Short-Term Nightly Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I rent my property short-term?

  Short-term rentals are accommodations provided to members of the public in a host’s property, in exchange for money, for a period of less than 90 consecutive days. They are generally tourist accommodations that are often found in residential or resort areas. They may be advertised via online platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia and FlipKey, and may also be advertised on other web forums including Facebook Marketplace, or found in classified ads in newspapers.

  All properties zoned Tourist Accommodation (TA) or include tourist accommodation as a permitted use within their zone may rent short-term with a valid business license. Owners wishing to short-term rent a single-family dwelling or duplex may be able to apply for a Temporary Use Permit provided your subdivision has no more than 25% of built homes currently permitted to rent short-term.

• My Strata rules say that I can rent for longer than 28 days. Am I permitted to rent on a nightly basis for longer than 28 days without a business license?

  Depending on the type of rental. Short-term rentals of less than 90 days require the proper approvals and a business license as noted above. Long-term rentals subject to the Residential Tenancy Act do not require municipal approval or a business license. 

• What are the conditions of a Temporary Use Permit?

  A Temporary Use Permit for Short Term Nightly Rental is subject to any number of conditions which commonly include but are not restricted to the following: 

  • Limiting Short Term Nightly Rental to either the principal dwelling or the secondary suite.
  • Limiting the maximum occupancy.
  • Ensuring an on-mountain manager is available 24/7 to respond to any issues or disturbances. Council may give preference to properties with on-site managers.
  • Permitting Sun Peaks to conduct random inspections of the dwelling during the term of the Temporary Use Permit.

  In addition, Council can include any other provisions prior to issuance on a case-by-case basis. Council may also address parking, snow storage and deficiencies at this time. The decision to issue a Temporary Use Permit ultimately rests with Council.

• Can I rent out my entire house?

  If you have a single-family dwelling with a suite, only the main unit OR a legal suite will be granted Short Term Nightly Rental use. For homes without suites, the entire house may be considered for Short Term Rental. Long term rentals are permitted in either or both of the units.

• How long is “Temporary”?

  A Temporary Use Permit can be issued for any term up to a maximum of three years with the possibility of one extension for up to 3 additional years. In the final year of the renewal, a second permit may be applied for however, the full application and municipal review will be required. Owners must go through the full TUP application process to continue to rent short-term beyond the two three-year terms.

• Am I required to live in my home if I am granted a TUP for Short Term Nightly Rentals?

  No. While the provincial legislation around short-term nightly rentals requires that a short-term nightly rental property be the principal residence of the owner, resort municipalities such as Sun Peaks are exempt from this requirement.

• Why do I require parking and snow storage plans?

  In order to allow for efficient and effective snow clearing on municipal roads, on-street parking is prohibited in the winter which means sufficient resident and guest parking must be made available within your property. As pushing snow onto or across municipal roads is prohibited, a snow management plan is also required showing where snow will be stored or how it will be removed. 

• What will happen if I make my property available for nightly rentals but do not get a Temporary Use Permit?

  Any person who violates the bylaw may be subject to legal action and a penalty each day that they are in violation. 

   

• How can I make a complaint regarding Short Term Nightly Rentals in my neighbourhood?

  To make a complaint:

  • Call Bylaw Enforcement at (778) 257-2275 
  • Email bylaw@sunpeaksmunicipality.ca
  • Fill out the Short-Term Nightly  Rental Complaint form