As tourist homes continue to grow in popularity, it’s important for residents to understand what the term means.
A tourist home is a dwelling unit used for short-term accommodation that is managed, advertised, and rented by an individual or a professional property manager. These rentals typically operate through a system of reservations, deposits, and booking confirmations, collect GST, and often accept credit card payments. To be considered a tourist home, the accommodation cannot be rented to the same guest for more than 28 consecutive days.
Short-term rentals — like those listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms — are becoming a popular way for homeowners to earn extra income. However, before opening your home to guests, it’s important to understand how “tourist homes” are regulated within the Town of Coalhurst.
Where are Tourist Homes allowed?
Under the current Land Use Bylaw, tourist homes are:
✔ - A Discretionary Use in areas designated Residential – R zones.
This means you must apply for a discretionary use development permit. Approval is not automatic and depends on factors such as neighbourhood fit, parking and community impact.
X - Not a Listed Use in Small Lot Residential (SLR) zones
This means they are prohibited in SLR areas. Tourist homes cannot be approved in these zones unless the property is successfully rezoned, which involves a public process and no guarantee of approval.
Considering a rezoning application?
Property owners who wish to pursue a rezoning application should be aware that:
- Rezoning can be a lengthy and costly process.
- It requires notification to neighbouring residents, public hearings, and Council approval.
- The outcome is not guaranteed, even after all fees and steps are completed.
Important Takeaways
✔ Always check your property’s land use designation before listing short-term rentals.
✔ Operating a tourist home without proper approval may lead to bylaw enforcement action.
✔ When in doubt, contact the Town Office before making arrangements.