Short Term Accommodation

The Municipality of Grey Highlands requires all operators of short-term accommodation (STA) rentals (less than 28 consecutive days) to obtain a short-term accommodation licence; monthly rentals (those of 28 or more consecutive days) do not require a licence.

The Municipality has engaged the services of a third-party compliance agency to assist in the identification of existing short-term rentals, and initial correspondence requesting registration was sent to property-owners in July 2020.

Operators of short-term rental properties that have received correspondence regarding their property must obtain a short-term accommodation licence within 45-days of notification by the Municipality; STAs operating without a licence after this timeframe has passed will risk incurring a penalty of $1,000 a week.

The Municipality's Short-Term Accommodation By-law provides a system for the licencing of short-term rental properties.

Short-Term Accommodation Licencing Objectives

The Municipality of Grey Highlands' short-term accommodation (STA) licencing program provides a system of regulation for short-term accommodations with an aim to:

• Protect the character, amenities, and quality of the community;
• Create accountability for and to ratepayers, short-term accommodators, and visitors;
• Create a level playing field for all STA owners and operators and provide enhanced consumer protection;
• Ensure occupants are provided with safe accommodations in terms of fire and building safety;
• Ensure STA owners and operators are made aware of their responsibilities to comply with Municipal By-laws and other regulations;
• Permit responsible short-term accommodation across the Municipality.

A detailed background document outlines the process, purpose, and additional information that may be useful in registering a STA property. A list of terms and definitions used in the STA registration and licencing process can be viewed here. 

Grey Bruce Public Health has created a short document of Considerations for Short Term Rental Accommodations During COVID-19, which contains helpful information and additional resources to help short-term accommodators operate safely.

How to Register a Short-Term Accommodation Property

Step 1: Complete the short online STA Questionnaire, available here. 

• This is the first step in registering your short-term rental and places your application in the queue for consideration.

• A member of the Economic and Community Development team will contact you within two business days to advise of the next steps to complete the registration of your short-term accommodation property.

Step 2: Apply for a STA permit/licence through Cloudpermit, the Municipality's online building permit system. 

• A step-by-step STA Registration Guidebook is available to assist applicants through the online application process.
• When completing the Cloudpermit online application process, a number of supporting documents are required; please have the following information available for submission:
  • Proof of ownership (copy of the transfer/deed proving evidence of ownership)

  • Site plan of the premises (may be hand drawn)

  • Parking plan (may be hand drawn)

  • Floor plan of the dwelling that includes the location of all bedrooms, exits, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (may be hand drawn)

  • Responsible Person Consent Form

  • STA Applicant Declaration

Step 3: The completed application package will be reviewed by the Municipality of Grey Highlands, and a life safety inspection will be scheduled for the property.

Step 4: Upon the fulfillment of all requirements, a STA Licence will be issued to a property owner for a period of three years.

• An annual licencing fee will be applied to unhosted properties as outlined in the schedule of Short-Term Accommodation Licencing Fees.  
• All licenced properties shall provide a Code of Conduct for their guests. 

Short-Term Accommodation Licencing Fees

The COVID-19 global pandemic is having a significant impact on businesses in Grey Highlands, and particularly on the tourism sector in the Municipality. Due to the uncertainty in the marketplace for the foreseeable future, Grey Highlands Council approved the following changes to the STA licencing fee structure to provide some financial relief for short-term accommodation operations during these uncertain times.

Modified STA Licencing Fees – To December 31, 2020

1. Reduction of STA inspection fee from $200 to $100 for inspections taking place before December 31, 2020.
2. Deferral of the reduced STA inspection fee for a period of one year from the date of issuance of licence.
3. Waiver of STA unhosted licence fee ($300) for a period of one year from date of issuance of licence for all licences issued before December 31, 2020.

The following table outlines the approved schedule of rates and fees associated with STA licencing as per STA By-law 2019-122; this fee schedule is anticipated to return to full effect on January 1, 2021.