Operators of Airbnb-style rentals in Stratford homes should soon be able to apply for a licence to legally operate in the city.
At Monday’s infrastructure, transportation and safety committee meeting, Stratford’s chief building official, Jonathan DeWeerd, introduced a proposed bylaw that would set out the licensing requirements for all short term-rental accommodations in the city. The proposed bylaw would provide the framework for the licensing of businesses, including inns, hostels, rooming and boarding houses, and bed and breakfasts, all of which have previously been allowed to offer accommodations for a period of 28 days or less in Stratford.
Most notably, the bylaw, if approved, will also allow the licensing of short-term accommodations where guests can rent an entire dwelling unit without the principal homeowner being present during their stay. This style of short-term rental popularized on online marketplaces like AirBnb and VRBO only recently permitted in Stratford with the February approval of the city’s new comprehensive zoning bylaw. In accordance with the new zoning provisions, this style of short-term accommodation can only operate in Stratford for a total of 180 days per year.
Speaking to the licensing fee structure for short-term rentals, DeWeerd said staff are proposing a moratorium in the bylaw’s first year.
He did note in his report that staff are currently considering an annual $500 flat fee for licensing, but that could change.
The bylaw also includes a provision requiring a “responsible person” to be designated by each accommodator to respond within 30 minutes of being notified of any issues with a short term-rental property. It also stipulates that all licensed short-term rentals would be subject to the city’s recently approved 4% tourism tax levied on visitors to the city who stay overnight at a short-term accommodation.
Before council can approve the proposed bylaw, the city must first host a public meeting to allow residents to provide feedback either in person or in writing. At Monday’s committee meeting, city top administrator Joan Thomson said the city would likely host a special council meeting on Wednesday to set a date for that public session later this month.