November 14, 2024

Town of Sidney Council Meeting Highlights: November 12, 2024

Sidney BC

Highlights from regular Council meetings provide a brief summary of some items of broad public interest. The summary is not inclusive of all agenda items. Please refer to sidney.civicweb.net/Portal for the full agenda, minutes, and webcast.

Short-term rental operators will be required to obtain a business licence in 2025
Council has given three readings to an amendment to the Town’s Business License Bylaw, which if adopted, would require short-term rental operators to have a business licence.

As part of new regulations announced in 2023 related to short-term rentals, the Province will require short-term rental platforms (e.g. VRBO and Airbnb) to post business licence numbers in municipalities where licensing is required. In 2026, short-term rental operators in Sidney who do not have a business licence will not be able to operate or advertise through these types of platforms.

Staff will work with short-term rental operators throughout 2025 on the licensing process. A Short-Term Rental Application Package and Guide will be available following adoption of the bylaw, and will include information, links, a business licence application, fire evacuation plan requirements, floor plan requirements, as well as strata and owner consent forms.

Short-term rentals have been shown to reduce the availability of vital rental housing in communities. By requiring business licensing, in addition to existing short term rental regulations, the Town hopes to more effectively ensure that homes are available for long-term rentals for residents.
Staff Report                   Video

Council approves 2024 Interim Housing Needs Report

As required by provincial legislation, the Town has prepared an Interim Housing Needs Report, which is an update to the Town’s first Housing Needs Report created in 2019.

Housing Needs Reports are a way for communities to better understand their current and future housing needs. The reports help identify existing and projected gaps in housing supply by analyzing local demographics, economics, housing stock, and other factors. This interim report will be used to update both the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw starting in 2025 to ensure that the community is planning effectively for 20 years of housing supply. A full update to the Town’s Housing Needs Report is required by the end of 2028.

While the Town is responsible for regulations and policies that enable the creation of required housing, the Town ultimately relies on the private sector to build housing. Staff also actively pursue affordable housing opportunities through grant applications with senior levels of government.
Staff Report                        Video