After receiving more than 350 comments from the public over nearly a year, Lambton Shores is working toward the implementation of a new bylaw to regulate short term rental (STR) properties throughout the municipality.
After receiving more than 350 comments from the public over nearly a year, Lambton Shores is working toward the implementation of a new bylaw to regulate short term rental (STR) properties throughout the municipality.
A report was presented to councillors during the April 5 regular council meeting overviewing the proposed bylaw that could include occupancy limits, licensing fees, a demerit point system and more.
The proposed bylaw defines STRs as dwellings that offer temporary residence for a period of less than 30 consecutive nights, excluding motels, hotels, campgrounds and short-term accommodations where there is no payment.
According to chief administrative officer Stephen McAuley, there are about 300 STRs throughout Lambton Shores that would be regulated by the bylaw should councillors finalize it at a future meeting. Those properties would be required to pay an annual $500 licensing fee to cover the costs of the new licensing program which would include hiring an administrator for the program, paying for a third-party hotline and bylaw enforcement costs.
The regulating bylaw is expected to come into full effect Feb. 1, 2023, if council passes it during a future meeting. The bylaw’s rollout would include staggered licence application deadlines throughout 2022.