Short Term Rentals

• APPLICATION FORM - CLICK HERE to view and download the application procedures and application form. 

Due to a high volume of applications, processing is anticipated to be 4-6 months from receipt of a complete application. Applicants will be contacted with information on payment options when processing is initiated.

If you have an old form, please delete or recycle it and ensure you are using the form linked above.

To renew and replace an expiring temporary use permit (TUP), please see the STR Temporary Permit RENEWAL tab below to find the renewal application form.

• TUP RENEWAL APPLICATION FORM - CLICK HERE to vew and download the procedures and application form to renew your TUP.

This form is for RENEWALS only.

To complete an application for a new temporary use permit, please see the link in the section above titled "NEW Permit Application Form."

The Short-Term Rental (STR) Policy outlines when an STR Temporary Use Permit (TUP)  is required by STR Operators and the pathways to approval of a STR TUP. The policy outlines the maximum occupancy, number of off-street parking spaces available to guests and other criteria that must be met for a permit to be eligible to be issued. Two streams are available for approval:  staff delegated and Board of Directors. Different application fees apply for the different stream and are set by the RDEK Board. Processing times for applications also varies as staff work through the volume of applications being received.

• Short-Term Rental  Policy

To view a list of permits that have been approved or declined:

• STR Permits that have been approved or declined 

To view applications that are currently being considered, visit the Meetings & Notices page and scroll down to the STR section.

An online form is available to residents as a tool to report non-compliant short-term rental operations. The online form can be used should issues related to the short-term rentals occur, including, but not limited to:

• non-permitted operation of short-term rentals;

• noise, guest behaviour, or other forms of nuisance behaviour related to short-term rental;
• or, violations of an issued short-term rental temporary use permit.

Residents can fill out the RDEK compliant form to report an issue and (if available) provide photo or video evidence.

• Online Form - Click Here

• CLICK HERE to download the Agent Authorization Letter / Form

Generally, Short-Term Rentals (STR) occur in buildings and units that were originally purpose-built as long-term residential units on lands zoned for residential use and are distinguished from commercial enterprises such as hotels or motels. STRs often occur in single- or two-family homes, town homes, or apartment units.

Where zoning does not allow for tourist accommodation, the STR TUP policy now requires operators of STRs to hold permits for each STR unit they operate to ensure that units comply with zoning, units are safe for guests, and operators are responsive to any concerns that may arise.

If your zoning does not allow for commercial accommodation use(s) then a TUP is required to offer STRs on your property. Typical zoning uses that allow commercial accommodation include uses such as hotels, motels, rural retreats or guest ranches. To find out more information about zoning bylaws, please see our Zoning Bylaws page.

The best thing you can do is contact the RDEK's Development Services team and speak to someone.  They will be able to look up your property and go over with you what your zoning is and what would be required. Our Cranbrook office is open Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (closed stats) and you can always reach our team by phone during business hours at [hidden] or [hidden].  Please note: our Development Services department is located in our Cranbrook office.

All STR accommodations must have safety measures in place to protect guests in the event of an emergency, including a fire and safety evacuation plan. 

The fire safety plan must include:

• Responsible person contact information
• Emergency contact number (9-1-1)
• Designated meeting point
• Location of fire extinsuishers and smoke/carbon monoxide alarms
• Location of window exits of code-approved size

CLICK HERE to view a sample plan that you can use as a guideline.

Zoning details regarding your property can be found:

• online through the RDEK public web map
• by accessing the applicable zoning bylaw or land use bylaw.

Further details about specific STR TUP requirements can be found on this STR page or by contacting the RDEK Development Services staff.

• New Application Fee:
  • $1,500 for Delegated Applications
  • $3,000 for Non-Delegated Applications and all Electoral Area F Applications
• Expired Application Fee:
  • $1,500 for Delegated Applications
  • $3,000 for Non-Delegated Applications and all Electoral F Applications
• Renewal Application Fee:
  • Both approval streams for the renewal application are ½ of the original price previously paid.

There are two types of STR TUP applications: a delegated STR TUP application and a non-delegated STR TUP application. Delegated applications are considered by staff within the scope of the RDEK STR TUP Policy. Non-delegated STR TUP applications are considered at the discretion of the RDEK Board and include proposals which go beyond the requirements of the STR TUP. 

Effective December 2025, all applications for Electoral Area F are considered as non-delegated applications.

DELEGATED APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements for delegated STR TUPs are set out in the STR TUP Policy (click here to view). The core criteria from the STR TUP Policy include: 

Mandatory Criteria: 

1. STR use must not alter the residential appearance of the dwelling unit.
2. In addition to the minimum required off-street parking spaces required by an RDEK zoning or land use bylaw, an STR TUP must provide additional parking in accordance with the following:
   • STR Maximum Guest Occupancy of 1-4 requires a minimum of 1 additional Off-Street Guest Parking Spaces
   • STR Maximum Guest Occupancy of 5-8 requires minimum of 2 additional Off-Street Guest Parking Spaces
   • STR Maximum Guest Occupancy of 9-10 requires minimum of 3 additional Off-Street Guest Parking Spaces
3. An STR TUP must be located within a dwelling unit of a single-family dwelling, duplex dwelling unit, accessory dwelling unit or multiple family dwelling unit.  STR TUPS will not be issued for a boat, cabin, lock off unit, park model trailer, recreational vehicle, tent, or yurt.
4. An STR TUP may only be issued for a single Dwelling Unit. Where multiple Dwelling Units exist on a single parcel a separate application must be submitted for each Dwelling Unit proposed to be used as a STR.The maximum allowable occupancy of all STR TUPs issued per parcel shall  not exceed 10  guests.
5. An Occupancy Permit must have been issued by the RDEK for an accessory dwelling unit proposed for use as an STR.
6. Floor/fire safety plans must be submitted with an STR TUP application.
7. Identification of a manager, owner or other designated contact who will be available to address issues that may arise any time STR accommodation is being provided. The name and contact information must be provided in the application and must be posted along with the STR TUP in a visible place within the dwelling unit and provided to properties within a 25m area surrounding the property proposed for use as an STR.

Conditional Criteria:

1. STRs may offer a maximum occupancy of 10 guests (of any age) at any time (further restrictions to guest limit may pertain due to safety risks or other possible concerns). 
2. The applicant must provide an affidavit to RDEK staff acknowledging that the property which they are applying for an STR TUP has no covenants on title or strata bylaws restricting the property from being used for STR accommodation.

Discretionary Criteria:

1. Potential conflict with neighbouring properties;
2. Proposed accessory uses and/or amenities;
3. Site layout and servicing considerations;
4. Other RDEK bylaws and policies; and,
5. Impact of the proposed use on the natural environment, including groundwater. 

NON-DELEGATED APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Operators who wish to apply for a STR TUP that does not conform with the requirements of the STR TUP Policy (click here to view Policy) may make an application directly to the RDEK Board. These applications must include all required information contained in the delegated application, in addition to information regarding why they are not able to meet the policy requirements and a statement of why their application should be approved. The additional information provided is intended to provide the RDEK Board with information regarding the extenuating circumstances of the application and/or what mitigation efforts will be implemented to avoid complaints and enforcement efforts. 

If you are aware of a Short-Term Rental (STR) that is operating and does not have an approved Temporary Use Permit (TUP), please submit a report.

You can fill out an online form to report an issue and (if available) provide photo or video evidence.

• Online Form - Click Here

An online form is available to residents as a tool to report non-compliant short-term rental operations. The online form can be used should issues related to the short-term rentals occur, including, but not limited to:

• non-permitted operation of short-term rentals;

• noise, guest behaviour, or other forms of nuisance behaviour related to short-term rental;
• or, violations of an issued short-term rental temporary use permit.

Residents can fill out the RDEK compliant form to report an issue and (if available) provide photo or video evidence.

• Online Form - Click Here

Yes, in addition to the RDEK requirements around zoning compliance and the STR TUP Policy, the Province of British Columbia enacted the Short Term Rental Regulations Act in 2023.   The Provincial legislation provides phased regulatory framework and imposes Registry requirements on all STR Operators or Hosts in British Columbia.    

Information on the requirement for STR Operators to register with the Province can be viewed here.   

The requirement to register your STR with the Province is independent from the RDEK requirement to be issued an STR TUP and is required annually by the Province.   All STR Operators, whether a STR TUP is required by the RDEK or not, are required to register.   STR Operators or Hosts who do not register with the Province will be subject to consequences that include inability to register with Short Term Rental Platforms (e.g. AirBNB or VRBO) and may be subject to administrative penalties imposed by the Province.
 

To view the permits that have been approved or declined, visit the STR Permits page.  The list is broken down by Electoral Area.

STR TUP Renewal permits are half the price of the original payment fee. The required fee is determined based on when the original STR TUP was applied for, and under which approval stream it was approved. RDEK staff will confirm the required renewal application fee.

If your zoning still does not allow commercial accommodation use(s) then a TUP is required to continue short-term rental use of your property. To find out more information about zoning bylaws, please see our Zoning Bylaws page

• No increase in maximum occupancy has been requested by the applicant.
• There are no issues of non-compliance with the original STR TUP.
• The permit renewal application, including all required supporting information and applicable application fee are received at least three months prior to expiration of the permit. (If an application is not received within three months of expiry, a new STR TUP may be required. The STR TUP renewal must be issued prior to the expiry of the original permit).
• Completion of a new Schedule A – Responsible Person Contact Information Form.   
• Confirmed Affidavit of Understanding signed by all registered property owners.
• Nuisance Behaviour Mitigation Efforts (include when external amenities or mitigation measures have changed) form is required. 

STR TUP renewals have been delegated to RDEK staff. RDEK planning staff will review your application to ensure all required information is included. A review of the original STR TUP file and any compliance files will be undertaken. You may be requested to submit additional information in support of your application to ensure that all application requirements are met.

If your renewal application was refused by the Planning Manager and you have requested reconsideration by the Board, or if, following review of the renewal application by the Planning Manager, Board approval is determined to be required.

For detailed information on renewal permit processing, please see the STR TUP Renewal Application .

STR TUPs may be renewed once for up to three years from the date re-issued.

Upon expiry of the renewed short-term rental temporary use permit, a new STR TUP application or applicable regulatory process will be required. 

If your current STR TUP has expired and you want to continue with short-term rental use you are required to complete a new application, and the full application fee will apply.

A Short-Term Rental (STR) is a residential dwelling that is rented out for accommodation less than 30 consecutive days. STRs are often found in single or two-family homes, town homes, or apartment units.

Since 2023, where zoning does not allow for commercial accommodation, the RDEK requires operators of STRs to hold permits for each STR unit they operate to ensure that rental units comply with zoning, are safe for guests, and operators are responsive to any concerns that may arise.

Short-Term Rental (STR) operators in the RDEK must follow provincial and local regulatories. Most properties in RDEK are zoned for residential use and do not explicitly permit commercial accommodation. In the RDEK, potential owners must complete two different applications to operate an STR.

1. If the property zoning does not permit commercial accommodation the property owner must apply for a receive a STR Temporary Use Permit (TUP).
2. STR operates must follow the provincial guidelines for operation and register their property on the provincial Short-Term Rental Registration. Every STR is required to display their provincial registration number, and it must be visible on all listing platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).

Guests may request the STR registration number and/or the STR TUP number as part of the booking process.  If the property permits commercial accommodation, the operator may only be able to provide the provincial registration number.

Temporary Use Permits (TUP) allow a use to be carried out on land that is not zoned for that purpose.

To operate a Short-Term Rental (STR) property owners need to acquire a STR Temporary Use Permit (TUP) from the RDEK if zoning does not allow for commercial accommodation use(s).

STR TUPs are valid for a maximum of three (3) years and may be renewed once for an additional three (3) years. Upon expiry of the renewal of the STR TUP, a new STR TUP application or applicable regulatory process is required.

To check is a property has a valid Short-Term Rental (STR) Temporary Use Permit (TUP) visit the STR Permits page for a list of approved and denied permits in the RDEK.