Short-Term Rental Regulations Update

New regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Whitehorse come into force on October 1.

Zoning restrictions

Under the City’s Zoning Bylaw, Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are allowed in certain zones. Where STRs are allowed, the following rules apply:

• Residential Zones and the Other-Agriculture (OAG) Zone
  Until October 1, 2027, an operator may have one STR on a property where they do not live. On a property where the operator lives, they may have up to three STRs. After October 1, 2027, new STRs will only be allowed on properties where the operator lives.
• Commercial Zones
  An operator is not required to live on the same property as the STR and there is no limit on the number of STRs that can be operated on a single property or by a single operator.

Business License requirements

A Business License will be required to operate a Short-Term Rental, as well as a one-time Development Permit. Business Licenses are subject to an annual fee of $176 per STR. Development Permits are $40 per STR on a property that includes the operator’s primary residence and $95 per STR on a property that does not include the operator’s primary residence.

Operators will be required to include an STR Business License number in all online listings and advertisements.

Note: the date on which STR operators will be required to hold a Business License is still to be determined by City Council. An update is expected before October 1.

Operators will also be required to provide a fire safety plan, emergency escape plan, and a fire safety self-attestation for each STR.

Applications open on October 1

Operators can apply for a Business License and Development Permit in tandem through the City’s e-permitting system starting on October 1. Application materials are available now and documents can be prepared in advance. Processing of applications is expected to take up to 15 business days once all required forms and supporting documents are submitted.

Find more information, including guidance documents and how to apply for a permit and license at whitehorse.ca/str.

Contact:
Matthew Cameron
Manager, Strategic Communications
City of Whitehorse
[email protected]
(867) 689-0515