Short-term rentals coming to RDCO

Eligible property owners in Electoral Areas East and West will soon be allowed to operate short-term rentals under new rules.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan has approved the updated bylaw. The changes follow public consultation and a public hearing earlier this year.

Operators will need a business licence and must meet safety and zoning requirements. Officials say the goal is to support tourism while protecting rural neighbourhoods.

The new requirements are as follows:

• Short-term rentals are allowed in a house, a room in a house or a legal secondary suite in residential zones within an RDCO fire protection area, and in tourist cabins within designated commercial tourist zones.

• Only one short-term rental is permitted per property, limited to a maximum of four bedrooms and up to eight guests per booking.

• Short-term rentals are not permitted in accessory dwellings, recreational vehicles, yurts or tents.

• Eligible properties must meet fire and life safety standards, provide at least one dedicated off-street parking space, and display an RDCO-issued contact information sign.

• A designated operator or representative must be available 24 hours a day and able to respond to complaints within two hours.