Photo by Shutterstock/ksenchik30
Norfolk County Council will be discussing a draft Short-Term Rental (STR) by-law at its meeting tomorrow.
The by-law, outlined in Report CAO-26-013, is part of an effort to regulate short-term rental activity in the county, which has grown significantly in recent years through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
Currently, STRs operate without registration, inspections, or zoning compliance, creating challenges for neighbourhoods, municipal services, and licensed accommodation providers.
The draft by-law would require all short-term rental operators to register with the county.
In the first year, operators would undergo inspections to ensure compliance with zoning, fire, building, and health regulations.
In subsequent years, operators would renew their registration through an annual self-declaration confirming ongoing compliance, with re-inspections required every three years or after a change in ownership.
Operators would also be required to carry a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance and provide proof annually.
Registration fees are proposed at $25 per year if a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) is implemented to fund administration, enforcement, and inspections.
Without MAT, fees could be higher to recover costs directly from operators, although exact amounts have not been determined.
Council will also consider who pays for the required inspections.
Options include the municipality covering costs using MAT revenues or the tax levy, or having operators pay their own inspection fees.
The draft framework is intended for discussion and public consultation, with feedback expected to shape any future revisions before a by-law is formally adopted.
Staff recommend public consultation on the STR framework in the second quarter of 2026, including a Public Information Session for operators, residents, and stakeholders.
The input gathered will inform a revised by-law and supporting business plan, which will then be brought back to Council for further consideration.
Nothing has been approved yet; Council’s discussion tomorrow will focus on the proposed framework and next steps for regulating short-term rentals across Norfolk County.