Short-term rentals

On May 7, 2025, Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3134, 2025 to amend Courtenay’s Zoning bylaw to permit short-term rental accommodations, in limited circumstances, within the City of Courtenay.

Zoning Bylaw changes – May 2025

In general terms, the zoning bylaw:

  • Permits short-term rental accommodation as a permitted use in single residential dwellings, accessory dwelling units or secondary suites.
  • Limits the number of short-term rentals to one per parcel and must be operated by the owner who has their principal residence on the parcel.
  • Allows maximum of three bedrooms to accommodate up to six guests per short-term rental.
  • Requires a parking stall be provided.
  • Requires a business licence.
  • Does not permit short-term rental accommodation in combination with bed and breakfast accommodation or day care uses.

The zoning bylaw now also includes definitions for bed and breakfast accommodation, principal residence and short-term rental accommodation, and a requirement for a business licence for a bed and breakfast accommodation.

Business licence and provicinal 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.

Related bylaws

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is short-term rental accommodation?

A: Short-term rental accommodation refers to the rental of a dwelling unit, or any portion of it, for fewer than 90 consecutive days. This does not include bed and breakfast accommodation.

Q: Where are short-term rentals be permitted?

A: Short-term rentals are permitted across the City of Courtenay in any zone where single-residential dwellings, secondary suites or detached accessory dwelling units are permitted.

Q: Who can operate short-term rental accommodation?

A: Only the property-owner who has their principal residence on the same property can operate short-term rental accommodation.

"Principal residence" means a dwelling unit where a person lives for the majority of the calendar year.

Q: What is the difference between short-term rental accommodation and a bed and breakfast?

A: A short-term rental accommodation may consist of an entire dwelling unit, including a secondary suite within a single residential dwelling or an accessory detached dwelling unit.

A bed and breakfast is limited to a maximum of two bedrooms within a single residential dwelling, and breakfast must be provided to guests.

Q: Do short-term rental accommodations need a business licence?

A: Yes. All short-term rentals in Courtenay require an annual business licence.

The licence fee is $300 per year

Q: Do I have to register my short-term rental with the province?

A: Yes. All short-term rentals in Courtenay have to register with the Province of B.C.

Q: How many short-term rental accommodations can I have on my property?

A: Only one short-term rental accommodation is allowed per property.

Q: How many bedrooms can a short-term rental have?

A: A short-term rental can have up to three bedrooms.

Q: How many guests can stay in a short-term rental?

A: A short-term rental can accommodate up to six guests per stay.

Q: Do I need to provide parking for short-term rental guests?

A: Yes. The number of parking stalls you must provide depends on the type of dwelling used for the short-term rental.

If you are renting out your principal residence (not a separate suite or accessory dwelling), you must provide one additional parking stall beyond what's already required under Courtenay’s Zoning Bylaw.

City staff can help confirm how many stalls are required based on the information you provide in your business licence application.