The Municipality of West Nipissing is drafting a new by-law to govern short-term rentals.
The proposed by-law can be read on the Municipality’s website, and council plans to have a public meeting on the topic in early October. The date has not been announced yet.
As drafted, non-principal dwelling short-term rentals will only be permitted in commercial zones. A license will be required to operate a short-term rental, and the maximum number of renters within one unit at any given time will be eight – excluding children under 10 years of age.
All listings must include a current, valid license number on any advertisement for the premises. Also, all applicants seeking a license will be inspected prior to issuance of a license “to verify the information contained in the line application,” staff noted.
Short-term rentals will not be permitted to be used for “event” gatherings, such as birthday parties, weddings, or bachelor/bachelorette parties, staff outlined.
If your short-term rental is a unit within your principal dwelling, those will be permitted in R1, R2, R3, R4, RR and SR zones. Rental nights cannot surpass 180 per year, and units can only be rented for a maximum of 28 concurrent single stays.
To apply for the license, the town will want a site plan of the premises, an interior floor plan labelled to include all rooms and guest rooms, a copy of the deed proving ownership, and if the application is for a business, proof that the business can operate in Ontario.
A public meeting will be held, and residents are encouraged to attend. As mentioned, the date is to be announced, so keep an eye on the municipal website for updates.