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.
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This is the first step in registering your short-term rental and places your application in the queue for consideration.
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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)
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Site plan of the premises (may be hand drawn)
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Parking plan (may be hand drawn)
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Floor plan of the dwelling that includes the location of all bedrooms, exits, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (may be hand drawn)
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.
Annual STA Licence Fee - HOSTED Property | $0 |
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Annual STA Licence Fee - UNHOSTED Property | $300 |
Grey Highlands Occupancy Inspection Fee | $200 |
STA Appeal Fee | $500 |
Penalty for Operating Without a STA Licence | $ 1,000/per week |