Temporary Short-Stay Permits for Major Events

Summary#

• This bill would let cities, towns, and regional districts in B.C. issue temporary permits for short-term rentals during “major events,” like big sports games, festivals, or conferences.

• The goal is to add extra places to stay when many visitors come at once, while keeping tight limits the rest of the year.

• Key points:

  • A “major event” includes arts, culture, sports, academic, political, or industry events expected to draw lots of visitors who need places to stay.
  • The temporary permit could cover the event days plus three days before and three days after.
  • Local governments could set their own rules for these permits (for example, how to apply, safety standards, and fees).
  • During the permit period, local rules and permit conditions would take priority over the provincial short‑term rental law.
  • A property could not be permitted for more than 45 days total in a calendar year.
  • Local governments could choose whether to offer these permits at all.

What it means for you#

• Homeowners and hosts

  • You could apply for a temporary permit to rent your place short-term during a major event, even if it is not normally allowed under provincial rules.
  • The maximum time allowed under such permits is 45 days per property per year.
  • You would have to follow any local rules set by your city or district (for example, fire safety, insurance proof, occupancy limits, or quiet hours).
  • Approval is not guaranteed. Your local government could say no or set strict conditions.

• Renters

  • Your landlord might seek a temporary permit to rent a unit short-term during an event. Local rules and tenancy laws would still apply.
  • You could see more visitors in your building or neighbourhood during event periods.

• Neighbours

  • You may notice more short-term guests, traffic, or noise during big events, but only for a limited time window.
  • Local governments could add rules to reduce nuisances (such as fines, contact numbers, or quiet hours).

• Visitors

  • You may find more places to stay during big events, which could ease last‑minute shortages and high prices.

• Local governments

  • You would gain clear power to create a temporary permitting system for major events.
  • You could tailor permit rules to local needs and set application processes and enforcement tools.
  • You would need to track days used per property to stay under the 45‑day annual limit.

• Hotels and tourism businesses

  • More short‑term rental supply during events could relieve pressure when rooms sell out.
  • Hotels may face more competition during those peak dates.

• When it would take effect

  • It would become law on Royal Assent (once formally approved).

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Helps communities handle big surges in visitors without building new hotels.
• Gives residents a legal, time‑limited way to earn extra income during major events.
• Lets local governments design rules that fit local needs and enforce them.
• Limits total days (45 per year per property) to prevent year‑round commercial operations.
• Could reduce price spikes and sold‑out situations that frustrate visitors and event planners.

Opponents' View#

• Could weaken B.C.’s short‑term rental limits by creating an exception that may be stretched or overused.
• The “major event” definition is broad, which might open the door to frequent permits in some areas.
• Extra short‑term rentals, even for a short time, can increase noise, parking issues, and strain on building security.
• Tracking permits and enforcing the 45‑day cap may be hard for cities and strata councils.
• Letting local permit terms override provincial rules during the permit period could create confusion and uneven standards across communities.