Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are generally defined as rentals taking place for a period of 28 days or less that fall outside of traditional commercial accommodations such as hotels and motels. STRs occur in various forms of residential dwellings such as single-detached dwellings, semi-detached, apartments, etc.
Staff Reports |
On May 11, 2023, staff presented Report CR-23-045 to the Corporate Services Committee respecting STRs. Highlights of the report include:
On July 13, 2023, staff presented Report CR-23-065 to the Corporate Services Committee respecting feedback from the consultation and next steps. Highlights of the report include:
On July 24, 2023, City Council approved the following recommendation from the Corporate Services Committee: "THAT in consideration of Staff Report CR-23-065 respecting Short Term Rentals (STRs) feedback and next steps, the Corporate Services Committee recommends that City Council direct staff to: 1. Implement a STR licensing program as follows: a. Using the staff recommended approach as outlined in the report, save and except: i. the occupancy limit changing from a maximum of 10 people to a maximum of 8 people; and ii. the inclusion of a maximum night allowance in the September staff report; and b. Using option 1, respecting resources; and 2. Continue with the next steps, phase II, as outlined in the report." |
Next Steps |
A staff report will be presented to the Corporate Services Committee at its meeting on September 14, 2023 which will provide a draft STR Licensing By-law, proposed set fines, method of restricting to principal residences, and a summary of complimentary zoning provisions to support licensing. Following this staff report, the steps listed below will be taken:
|
Contact Information |
Please direct any questions to: Briana Bloomfield, City Clerk Kristen Van Alphen, Manager of Legislative Services |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are STRs? |
STRs are generally defined as rentals taking place for a period of 28 days or less that fall outside of the traditional commercial accommodations such as hotels and motels. STRs occur in various forms of residential dwellings such as single-detached dwellings, semi-detached, apartments, etc. STRs can generally occur in several distinguishable ways:
|
What are benefits of STRs? |
The benefits of STRs include, but are not limited to:
|
What are drawbacks of STRs? |
The drawbacks of STRs, include, but are not limited to:
|
How many STRs are in Owen Sound? |
The exact number of STRs within Owen Sound is currently unknown. Information provided by STR licensing vendors suggests that there are between 75 and 115 STRs in Owen Sound which may fluctuate month to month throughout the year. |
Does Owen Sound license STRs? |
The City of Owen Sound does not currently licence STRs; however, Council has approved the implementation of a licensing program that will come into effect on March 1, 2024. |
How are STR complaints addressed? |
Currently, by-law complaints relating to STRs are addressed through various regulatory by-laws such as the Noise By-law, Traffic By-law, and the Waste Management By-law. The City’s By-law Enforcement team enforces by-laws during regular office hours and Police Services enforces by-laws outside of regular office hours. By-law can be contacted by calling 519-376-4440 ext. 1905 or emailing enforcement@owensound.ca. Police Services can be contacted by calling 519-376-1234. |
When will the STR Licensing By-law come into effect? |
It will come into effect on March 1, 2024. |
I'm an STR operator, how do I get a license? |
Further information will be posted on this webpage when available. |
What requirements are included in the Licensing By-law? |
Requirements are outlined in Report CR-23-065. The draft Licensing By-law will be presented on September 14, 2023 to the Corporate Services Committee. |
Contact Us