There will be a combined public hearing about proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaw at 6 PM on Monday, November 3. The changes relate to Air BnB’s and, separately, ocean front set-backs.
Over the past two years there have been several issues with unpermitted short term rentals (STR’s) largely due to a lack of enforcement and slow staff response to complaints.
Council recently voted to do away with the existing STR policy (vote: 4 – 1) after staff advised the regulations need only be included in the Zoning Bylaw*. The policy had included protections and precautions specific to Lions Bay which may or may not be applied by the CAO as sole decision-maker under the amended bylaw.
Although staff are generally overconcerned about liability, the requirement that an owner purchase STR insurance, including liability cover, has been removed.
Another proposed change is that signage will be allowed without objective guidelines or restrictions on size. Lions Bay has a long history of not allowing small business signage.
The prohibition on using suites as Air BnB’s to create additional housing in Lions Bay remains. STR’s in suites have been prohibited to ensure alternate housing options for fire fighters and other long-term renters.
No documents were provided in the Village Update, but the outgoing policy is here.
The proposed Zoning Bylaw changes can be obtained from the office at 604-921-9333/cao@lionsbay.ca. Residents can provide input up to the close of the hearing and are encouraged to email their feedback to office@lionsbay.ca and council@lionsbay.ca.
SIDE NOTE: Some residents are questioning the sudden recent need for so many bylaw changes when enforcing existing bylaws would solve current problems.
* In BC, bylaws are the laws themselves while policies outline internal rules that guide how those bylaws are enforced, and administered. It is unclear why staff believe an STR policy in support of the bylaw containing STR regulations is no longer necessary.
