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.

If you have received correspondence from the Municipality regarding the operation of a short-term rental but you have ceased operations or sold your property, please complete and return the Declaration of Non-Operation for Short-Term Rentals.

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 following table outlines the approved schedule of rates and fees associated with STA licencing as per STA By-law 2019-122.