Some disappointed with STR licensing delay as Charlottetown says nobody getting 'free pass'
CBC
The City of Charlottetown is now enforcing regulations meant to curb short-term rentals, though a licensing system will be on hold for a little longer.
A 13-month grace period ahead of the implementation of new zoning rules ended Tuesday, March 28.
Short-term rentals in the Prince Edward Island capital must all now be in owners' primary residences, separate apartments can't be rented out, and owners are not allowed to have multiple properties.
Housing advocates on the Island say the regulations are a big step forward, and will help regulate the city's rental market as many Islanders continue to struggle to find an affordable place to live.
But the city says there's still more work to be done.
Licensing rules that would establish fees, inspection regimes, and insurance and compliance requirements are on pause following a city council meeting Monday.
City staff advised councillors to put the licensing rollout on hold until Oct. 31 so they could have time to complete the bylaws. They pointed out the bylaw draft was missing occupancy and inspection requirements.
"They felt that they had a few things that they weren't quite ready for," Deputy Mayor Alanna Jankov told CBC News. "They just needed to ensure they had the necessary resources in place for the proper implementation of the enforcement piece."
But housing advocates still question the delay.
"They had plenty of time to work out an enforcement strategy over the grace period. Now, they're saying they need pretty much just until the exact end of tourism season," said Cory Pater with P.E.I.'s Fight for Affordable Housing.
"It feels like it's not a delay to give time to build the enforcement strategy. It feels like it's a time to let tourism operators and STR operators keep making money off of their illegal hotels."
Jankov said staff wanted to make sure there were inspections to ensure people's safety, including making sure each unit for rent has proper exits and electrical panels as well as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
She said the zoning bylaws still apply and "nobody gets a free pass."
Charlottetown residents who want to set up a short-term rental need to fill out an application, and the city will check to see if it's compliant with the bylaws.
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