Residents have their say at Short Term Rental public meeting

Pelham residents had their say during the Oct. 22 public meeting under the Planning Act regarding amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to include policies and regulations with respect to short term accommodations within the Town.

With a near-capacity room, the public meeting for short term rentals was successful, acheiving the vision of Council's strategic goal of working with residents  to buildi strong communities and cultural assets, and providing a forum for residents to be heard.

Council and staff heard concerns and fielded questions from members of the public regarding traditional bed and breakfast establishments and short term rentals, commonly referred to as Air BnBs. 

Barb Wiens, director of community planning and development, began the meeting with a presentation outlining the proposed drafts and how they fit with the current bylaws and plans. For example:

The Draft Official Plan Amendment proposes to:

• Permit short term accommodations in the Downtown, Downtown Transitional Area, Good General Agricultural, Specialty Agricultural & Environmental Protection Two designations subject to specific policy requirements.
• Permit bed and breakfast establishments in residential designations.

The Draft Zoning By-law Amendment proposes to:

• Permit a bed and breakfast establishment in a residential zone subject to meeting parking, signage, Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and licensing requirements and being occupied as a principal residence by the owner/operator.

• Permit short term accommodations in Agricultural, Special Rural, Neighbourhood Commercial, General Commercial and Commercial Rural zones.

Council heard that there were roughly 20 short term rentals operating in Pelham, half of which are more the traditional bed and breakfast style rentals. That number is based on the what staff has been able to find on the various online room rental sites such as Air Bnb, Home Away, and others. 

Enforcement and grandfathering of existing operations were a point of interest for many.

"When we do come to a decision, the enforcement issues is the same whether you ban them or allow them everywhere," said CAO David Cribbs. "There's no outcome here that doesn't require more enforcement."

Councillor Mike Ciolfi inquired about licencing and whether that would be grandfathered in and what type of fees would be required.

"If Council were to pass a licencing bylaw, then all businesses would be required to have a licence," said Wiens. "Whether they are new or existing they would require a licence and the fees would be to cover administrative costs, they would not be a punitive amount."

Generally, the concerns of residents focused on safety, privacy, and enjoyment of property, ultimately drilling down to location and not necessarily the operation of bed and breakfast and short term rental establishments themselves as the sticking point. Many, if not all, who spoke against short term rentals, indicated that they should be prohibited from residential areas, relegated instead to commercial and rural areas.

Council also heard from one of the owners of a short term rental who indicated that her experience has been nothing but positive; neighbours have an understanding of her operation, it's a source of income, and it allows others to see the Town and surrounding areas. 

Public input will be gathered until November 30, and those unable to attend last night's meeting, and have comments or suggestions, are encouraged to submit them to shorttermrental@pelham.ca. 

As the process unfolds, amendments to the plans and bylaws are focused on balancing two sets of property rights and public input will help shape Council's decision.