The District of Squamish has launched a community survey to obtain input on citizens’ perspectives and priorities as the District considers regulations for short-term rentals.
The survey, open through October 31, 2018, will inform the development of options for discussion with Council and the community. 
As of month-end August 2018, the inventory of active, unique STRs across all vacation platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and others reached 429 units (source: Host Compliance, the District’s third party monitoring service).
STR policy and enforcement action was recommended by the 2016 Affordable Housing Task Force to address the growing proliferation of unpermitted STRs and mitigate the loss of long-term residential rental units.
The District has been actively monitoring local STR trends and reviewing regulatory approaches across B.C. since then.
With the completion of the Official Community Plan update, which included policy to develop regulations addressing STRs, attention has now turned to determine a specific regulation, licensing and enforcement approach.
“There is no easy answer or sweeping approach that is “best” in the case of short-term rentals, as each community has unique needs and wants,” says Mayor Patricia Heintzman.
“Achieving a balanced approach begins with us hearing from citizens and getting a broad sense of where the community sits on this topic, and considering the perspectives they bring to the table.”
Once the survey closes, District staff will use the input to frame STR regulation options and their implications. Further consultation on these options will occur through focus sessions, Council workshops and community outreach in early 2019. Once a preferred approach is determined by Council, draft zoning and business licencing regulations will be prepared.
Visit squamish.ca/short-term-rentals<http://squamish.ca/short-term-rentals> to view the Community Snapshot and participate in the survey.
