The city is now taking applications for short-term (STR) rental business licences.
Council adopted amendments to the STR licence and regulation bylaw at its April 14 meeting.
As of May 1, short-term rental hosts, platforms, and strata hotels operating in B.C. must be registered with the provincial short-term rental registry.
“The province has said they will accepting a pending application until August,” said Sarah Krakower, acting business licensing supervisor. "So we do have time for people to get registered with the province.”
Council aligned its STR rental regulations with provincial rules in March. The new rules, which require licensing, registration, and that STRs be operated by a principal resident, came into effect in May 2024.
Under the updated city rules, short-term rentals can be used as a secondary accommodation within a primary home, or in a secondary suite or carriage house for less than 90 days. Rentals are also permitted in secondary suites or carriage houses for the first time in Kelowna. The operator must live on the property for at least 240 days per year.
Councillor Maxine DeHart recused herself from the discussion and vote on the matter. She is employed by Ramada Hotels and owns short-term rental accommodations.
