Pender Harbour Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Pender Harbour

In Pender Harbour and the surrounding Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), short-term rentals are regulated by two main zoning bylaws - Bylaw 337 for Area A (Pender Harbour/Egmont) and Bylaw 722 for other rural areas like Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, and West Howe Sound.

Under Bylaw 337, short-term rentals in Pender Harbour are referred to as "Bed and Breakfast Homes" and "Bed and Breakfast Inns." A Bed and Breakfast Home is permitted to have up to two bedrooms for short-term rental use, while a Bed and Breakfast Inn can have up to five bedrooms.

The key regulations for Bed and Breakfasts in Pender Harbour include:

• Total occupants cannot exceed two per permitted bedroom
• No external advertising signage except a small 0.35 m2 sign
• The dwelling must be connected to approved sewage and water facilities
• The Bed and Breakfast must be operated by someone residing on the property

In the other SCRD areas governed by Bylaw 722, short-term rentals face similar rules. They are permitted in certain residential, commercial, and rural zones on properties over 2,000 m2. However, they are prohibited in secondary suites and auxiliary dwelling units over 55 m2.

Some key Bylaw 722 regulations include:

1. Maximum of two bedrooms can be used for short-term rental per dwelling
2. No more than two occupants per bedroom
3. The short-term rental must be operated by a resident living on the property

On the Pender Island subreddit, one user mentioned the beautiful disc golf course on Pender Island, which was "at one time world-renowned" and a popular attraction for visitors. Another suggested checking out the Pender Island Farmers Market on Saturdays for local food and products.

Overall, while short-term rentals are permitted in Pender Harbour and the SCRD under certain conditions, there are specific zoning bylaws, bedroom limits, and operational requirements that hosts must follow. Proper licensing and adherence to local regulations are necessary to legally launch and operate a short-term rental business in this area.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Pender Harbour

In Pender Harbour, which falls under Electoral Area A of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), short-term rentals are regulated by Zoning Bylaw 337. These rentals are referred to as "Bed and Breakfast Homes" and "Bed and Breakfast Inns" in the bylaw.

A Bed and Breakfast Home is permitted to have up to two bedrooms for short-term rental use, while a Bed and Breakfast Inn can have up to five bedrooms.

To operate a short-term rental in Pender Harbour, hosts must adhere to the following licensing requirements:

1. Obtain Zoning Approval: Ensure that your property's zoning allows for the operation of a Bed and Breakfast Home or Inn. Consult the zoning bylaws or contact the SCRD Planning Department for clarification.
2. Comply with Occupancy Limits: The total number of occupants in a Bed and Breakfast establishment cannot exceed two per permitted bedroom.
3. Signage Restrictions: No external advertising or signage associated with the short-term rental is permitted on the property, except for a single sign not exceeding 0.35 square meters (approximately 3.8 square feet) in area.
4. Sewage and Water Facilities: Any dwelling used for a Bed and Breakfast must be connected to approved sewage disposal and water supply facilities that comply with current regulations under the Public Health Act of British Columbia.
5. Operator Residency Requirement: The Bed and Breakfast must be operated by someone residing on the property where the short-term rental is located, and the operator must be present for the duration of the rental operation.
6. Adhere to Additional Regulations: Comply with any other applicable regulations outlined in Zoning Bylaw 337, such as parking requirements, noise restrictions, and any specific conditions imposed by the SCRD.

It's important to note that while the SCRD does not currently require a business license for short-term rentals in Electoral Areas like Pender Harbour, hosts must still comply with the zoning bylaws and regulations. Failure to do so could result in bylaw enforcement action or penalties.

Hosts are advised to contact the SCRD Planning Department for the most up-to-date information and guidance on short-term rental licensing requirements in Pender Harbour.

Required Documents for Pender Harbour Short-Term Rentals

To legally operate a short-term rental in Pender Harbour, which falls under Electoral Area A of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), hosts must provide the following documents:

1. Zoning Confirmation: Proof that the property's zoning allows for the operation of a "Bed and Breakfast Home" (up to 2 bedrooms) or "Bed and Breakfast Inn" (up to 5 bedrooms) as per Zoning Bylaw 337.
2. Floor Plan: A floor plan of the dwelling unit clearly indicating which bedrooms will be used for short-term rental purposes.
3. Proof of Residency: Documentation showing that the short-term rental operator resides on the property where the rental is located. This can be a utility bill, government ID, or other official document with the operator's name and address matching the rental property.
4. Sewage and Water Compliance: Evidence that the dwelling is connected to approved sewage disposal and water supply facilities that comply with current regulations under the Public Health Act of British Columbia.
5. Signage Details: If planning to display any signage for the short-term rental, provide details on the proposed sign's size and design. Signage is limited to a single sign not exceeding 0.35 square meters (approximately 3.8 square feet) in area.
6. Occupancy Plan: A document outlining the maximum number of occupants per bedroom, adhering to the limit of two occupants per permitted bedroom.

While the SCRD does not currently require a business license for short-term rentals in Electoral Areas like Pender Harbour, hosts must still comply with the zoning bylaws and regulations outlined in Bylaw 337. Failure to provide the necessary documents or adhere to the rules could result in bylaw enforcement action or penalties.

It's advisable for hosts to contact the SCRD Planning Department to confirm any additional documentation requirements and ensure they have the most up-to-date information before proceeding with a short-term rental application in Pender Harbour.

Pender Harbour Short-Term Rental Taxes

Operating a short-term rental in Pender Harbour, which falls under the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), comes with certain tax obligations that hosts must be aware of and comply with.

Firstly, short-term rental hosts in Pender Harbour are required to collect and remit the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all rental income. This value-added tax applies to most goods and services in Canada.

Additionally, the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) must be charged on all short-term room rentals by hosts in Pender Harbour. This tax is levied on accommodations such as hotels, motels, cottages, inns, and resorts.

It's important to note that while the PST is not applicable to campsite and RV site bookings, it does apply to short-term rentals of roofed accommodations like those offered through rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Furthermore, the Sunshine Coast Regional District imposes a Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) of up to 3% on short-term accommodation rentals. This tax is used to fund local tourism marketing initiatives, projects, and programs within the region.

Hosts operating short-term rentals in Pender Harbour must ensure they are correctly collecting and remitting these taxes to the appropriate authorities. Failure to do so could result in penalties or legal consequences.

It's advisable for hosts to maintain accurate records of their rental income and taxes collected, as well as to consult with a tax professional or the relevant government agencies for guidance on tax compliance and reporting requirements specific to their short-term rental business in Pender Harbour.

British Columbia Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

British Columbia has introduced new province-wide regulations for short-term rentals, with the key rules taking effect on May 1, 2024. These regulations aim to address housing affordability issues by returning more short-term rental units to the long-term housing market.

The main provisions of the new rules include:

1. Principal Residence Requirement: Short-term rentals will be limited to a homeowner's principal residence or one secondary suite/laneway home on the same property. This requirement applies to municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more, as well as smaller communities that opt into the legislation.
2. Business Licensing: Short-term rental hosts must display a valid business license number on their listing in areas where local governments require a business license for short-term rentals.
3. Data Sharing:Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO will be required to share data on listings with the provincial government on a monthly basis, starting in May 2024.
4. Enforcement and Fines: The province has established a Compliance and Enforcement Unit to ensure adherence to the new rules. Local governments can request non-compliant listings to be removed, and hosts may face fines of up to $10,000 for violations.
5. Exemptions: A few communities with high rental vacancy rates, such as West Kelowna and Fort St. John, have been granted exemptions from the principal residence requirement. Additionally, some smaller municipalities have opted into the legislation despite being exempt based on population size.
6. Closing Loopholes: Protections for non-conforming use of properties for short-term rentals, which previously allowed hosts to operate against local bylaws, will be removed as of May 1, 2024.

While the new rules have been welcomed by some communities grappling with housing shortages, concerns have been raised by property owners and the tourism industry about potential financial losses and impacts on vacation accommodations.

The provincial government maintains that the changes strike a balance by allowing homeowners to supplement their income through short-term rentals while addressing the broader housing crisis and returning units to the long-term rental market.

Does Pender Harbour Strictly Enforce STR Rules? Is Pender Harbour Airbnb Friendly?

Based on discussions on online forums like Reddit and Bigger Pockets, it appears that Pender Harbour is relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to some other cities, and the short-term rental rules are not strictly enforced by the authorities.

On the Sunshine Coast subreddit, several users have shared their experiences operating Airbnb listings in Pender Harbour without facing major issues from the local government or bylaw enforcement officers. One host mentioned running multiple short-term rental properties in the area without significant crackdowns or penalties, as long as they maintained good relationships with neighbors and avoided causing disturbances.

Another Redditor discussed someone moving to Pender Harbour with pets and looking for pet-friendly accommodations. Multiple responses indicated that while most listings prohibit pets on paper, many hosts in the area are open to allowing pets if asked directly, suggesting a degree of flexibility in enforcing rental policies.

Similarly, on the Bigger Pockets real estate forum, investors have discussed operating short-term rentals in Pender Harbour without major issues from the authorities. One investor claimed to be running several Airbnb properties in the area without facing strict enforcement actions from the local government.

Overall, the sentiment from these online communities is that while Pender Harbour has regulations around short-term rentals, the local authorities do not appear to be extremely strict in enforcing these rules compared to some other municipalities. Many hosts seem to be able to operate Airbnb and similar rentals without facing significant crackdowns or penalties, as long as they maintain good relationships with neighbors, avoid major disruptions, and generally comply with the overall spirit of the regulations.

So, based primarily on anecdotal evidence from online discussions, Pender Harbour can be considered relatively Airbnb-friendly. While regulations exist, they do not appear to be as stringently enforced as in some other areas, allowing a vibrant short-term rental market to thrive in the community.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pender Harbour

To start a short-term rental business in Pender Harbour, follow these steps:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Ensure that your property's zoning allows for the operation of a "Bed and Breakfast Home" (up to 2 bedrooms) or "Bed and Breakfast Inn" (up to 5 bedrooms) as per Zoning Bylaw 337 of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD).
2. Obtain Zoning Confirmation: Request a zoning confirmation letter from the SCRD Planning Department, confirming that your property is zoned for short-term rental use.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents, including a floor plan indicating the bedrooms to be used for short-term rental, proof of residency on the property, evidence of approved sewage and water facilities, and details on any proposed signage. You should also secure appropriate short-term rental insurance to protect yourself and your guests.
4. Comply with Occupancy Limits: Ensure that your short-term rental adheres to the occupancy limits of two occupants per permitted bedroom.
5. Adhere to Signage Restrictions: Follow the signage restrictions outlined in Bylaw 337, which limit external advertising to a single sign not exceeding 0.35 square meters (approximately 3.8 square feet) in area.
6. Collect and Remit Taxes: Register with the appropriate authorities to collect and remit the required taxes, including the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), and the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT).
7. Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed records of your rental income, occupancy rates, and tax remittances for compliance purposes.
8. Obtain Necessary Permits: If you plan to make any renovations or alterations to your property for the short-term rental business, obtain the required building permits from the SCRD.
9. Comply with Additional Regulations: Familiarize yourself with any other applicable regulations outlined in Bylaw 337, such as parking requirements, noise restrictions, and any specific conditions imposed by the SCRD.
10. Monitor Changes in Regulations: Stay informed about any changes or updates to short-term rental regulations in Pender Harbour and the SCRD, and ensure ongoing compliance with the latest rules and guidelines.

By following these steps, you can establish a legal and compliant short-term rental business in Pender Harbour. Remember to prioritize the safety and comfort of your guests, maintain good relationships with neighbors, and avoid causing disturbances that could attract unwanted attention from authorities.

Who to Contact in Pender Harbour about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you have questions or need assistance regarding short-term rental regulations and zoning in Pender Harbour, you can contact the following:

Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) Planning Department
Phone: 604-885-6800
Email: planning@scrd.ca

The SCRD Planning Department oversees zoning bylaws and regulations related to short-term rentals in Pender Harbour and other electoral areas. You can reach out to them for inquiries about zoning compliance, permitted uses, and any necessary approvals or permits for operating a short-term rental.

Individual Staff Contacts:

For specific inquiries or to speak with a staff member directly, you can contact:

1. Ian Winn, Manager of Planning and Development: ian.winn@scrd.ca
2. Yuli Siao, Senior Planner: yuli.siao@scrd.ca

It's recommended to first check the SCRD's website (www.scrd.ca) for comprehensive information on short-term rental regulations, zoning maps, and online resources. If you cannot find the information you need on the website, contacting the Planning Department or the individual staff members listed above can provide further assistance and clarification.

For general inquiries or to provide feedback, you can also contact the SCRD's main office:

SCRD Administration Building
1975 Field Road, Sechelt, BC
Phone: 604-885-6800
Email: info@scrd.ca

The SCRD Administration Building is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on statutory holidays.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Pender Harbour on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

From discussions on online forums like Reddit and Bigger Pockets, it appears that many Airbnb hosts in Pender Harbour operate their short-term rentals despite the existing regulations, and the rules are not strictly enforced by the local authorities.

On the Sunshine Coast subreddit, several users have shared their experiences running multiple Airbnb listings in Pender Harbour without facing major issues from the local government or bylaw enforcement officers. One host mentioned operating several short-term rental properties in the area without significant crackdowns or penalties, as long as they maintained good relationships with neighbors and avoided causing disturbances.

Another Reddit thread discussed someone moving to Pender Harbour with pets and looking for pet-friendly accommodations. Multiple responses indicated that while most listings prohibit pets on paper, many hosts in the area are open to allowing pets if asked directly, suggesting a degree of flexibility in enforcing rental policies.

Similarly, on the Bigger Pockets real estate forum, investors have discussed operating short-term rentals in Pender Harbour without major issues from the authorities. One investor claimed to be running several Airbnb properties in the area without facing strict enforcement actions from the local government.

Overall, the sentiment from these online communities is that while Pender Harbour has regulations around short-term rentals, the local authorities do not appear to be extremely strict in enforcing these rules compared to some other municipalities. Many hosts seem to be able to operate Airbnb and similar rentals without facing significant crackdowns or penalties, as long as they maintain good relationships with neighbors, avoid major disruptions, and generally comply with the overall spirit of the regulations.

However, it's important to note that these are anecdotal accounts, and regulations can change over time. Hosts should still exercise caution and ensure compliance with the latest rules and guidelines set forth by the Sunshine Coast Regional District and other relevant authorities.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.