A proposed bylaw to regulate short-term rentals has passed the first and second reading in Invermere council chambers.
The proposed regulation would change the way Invermere issued business licenses.
“If adopted, the Bylaw will replace the District’s current business licensing bylaw and include provisions to help regulate the operation of Short-Term Rental Accommodation Units (STRs) in Invermere,” said district officials.
District staff will also prepare to regulate STR operations in Invermere’s single-family and low-density residential areas with temporary use permits (TUP).
Officials said this will work alongside business licences.
The new bylaw will also come with a number of rules, such as a limit of eight guests, no more than four bedrooms and one business license or TUP per STR owner, among other rules.
The district will also have a way to penalize STRs that break the rules.
“Council intends to establish a set of escalating fines to help regulate STR operations that will address bylaw and TUP violations through pending amendments to Invermere’s Municipal Ticketing Information Bylaw,” said Invermere officials.
Written comments on the proposed bylaw will be accepted until noon on Friday, Jan. 19 and in-person statements can be made at the Jan 23 council meeting.
