Short-term rentals
On May 7, 2025, Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3134, 2025 to allow short-term rental accommodations in limited situations within the City of Courtenay.
Where short-term rentals are allowed
Short-term rental accommodation is now permitted across Courtenay in single residential dwellings, detached accessory dwelling units and secondary suites as part of a single residential dwelling.
Short-term rentals involve renting all or part of a dwelling unit for fewer than 90 consecutive days. This does not include bed and breakfast accommodation, which is defined separately in the bylaw.
Who can operate a short-term rental
Only the property owner can operate a short-term rental, and they must live on the same property as their principal residence. A principal residence is the home where someone lives for most of the calendar year.
How many rentals are allowed
Only one short-term rental is allowed per property. The rental can include up to three bedrooms and accommodate a maximum of six guests. Short-term rentals cannot operate alongside a bed and breakfast or a day care use.
Parking requirements
A short-term rental must include at least one additional parking stall, depending on the type of dwelling.
If the rental is inside your principal residence (not in a separate suite or detached unit), the extra stall must be provided in addition to the parking already required under Courtenay’s zoning bylaw.
City staff can help confirm how many stalls are required when you apply for a business licence.
Bed and breakfast vs short-term rental
A bed and breakfast is limited to two bedrooms inside a single residential dwelling and must include breakfast for guests.
A short-term rental may include an entire single residential dwelling, secondary suite or detached unit, and does not need to include breakfast. It can also include one or more bedrooms in a dwelling where the property owner lives.
Business licence and provincial registration
A valid business licence is required to operate a short-term rental in Courtenay. The annual fee is $300. Visit the business licence page to find out how to apply.
You must also register with the B.C. short-term rental registration.