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.
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.
To view applications that are currently being considered, visit the Meetings & Notices page and scroll down to the STR section.
As part of ongoing efforts to address concerns regarding short-term rentals in the RDEK, a reporting web form and 24-hour hotline is now available to residents to report non-compliant short-term rental operations. The hotline provides a quick method to report STR-related issues, including, but not limited to: non-permitted operation of short-term rentals; noise, guest behaviour, or other forms of nuisance behaviour related to a short-term rental; or, violations of an issued short-term rental temporary use permit.
Generally, STRs 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.
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 1-888-478-7335 or 250-489-2791. 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:
CLICK HERE to view a sample plan that you can use as a guideline.
Zoning details regarding your property can be found:
Further details about specific STR TUP requirements can be found on this STR page or by contacting the RDEK Development Services staff.
The current non-refundable fee payable to the RDEK:
Effective January 1, 2025 the non-refundable fees will increase to:
To be eligible for the current fees the completed application form must be received (email or letter mail) by December 31, 2024.
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.
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:
Conditional Criteria:
Discretionary Criteria:
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 that is operating and does not have an approved Temporary Use Permit, please submit a report.
You can fill out an online form or call the staffed 24/7 phone number to report an issue and (if available) provide photo or video evidence.
A new hotline is now available to residents as a tool to report non-compliant short-term rental operations. The hotline can be used should issues related to short-term rentals occur, including, but not limited to:
The RDEK Short Term Rental Hotline provides a quick method to report issues with Short Term Rentals (STRs). Residents can fill out an online form or call the staffed 24/7 phone number to report an issue and (if available) provide photo or video evidence.
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.
If you have questions or would like to know if your property requires a Temporary Use Permit, please call Development Services at 250-489-2791 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335.
Last edited: Tue, March 25, 2025 - 9:44:11