Short-Term Accommodation Licencing Program

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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 Building Services 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 - availability

The following streets in the Municipality of Grey Highlands have currently reached the maximum number of STA licences available, and as such, we are NOT accepting STA licence applications for these streets at this time. Please note, the presence or absence of a street listed should not be solely relied upon for guidance with respect to density thresholds. Staff have the most up-to-date information and should be contacted with any specific questions with respect to density.

• Barager Road
• Beau Lane
• Butternut Court
• Cedars Resort Road
• Hawthorne Lane
• North Street
• Sideroad 13 B
• Sideroad 16 C
• St. Arnaud Street
• Uplands Drive
• Victoria Court
• Wodehouse Court
• Young Drive

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.