Prince Edward County council deliberated on the newest proposal for a short term accommodations (STA) regime meant to tackle illegal short term accommodators and take the pressure off of local housing price growth last Thursday, July 7.

The previous proposal had a “cap of zero,” STAs for non-county residents (besides those previously holding a STA license). However, this latest proposal, which was in response to further public consultation, now permits both primary and secondary residence STAs, with a maximum rental period of 180 days for the primary residence STAs, and a natural person requirement for secondary residence STAs.

Additionally, the previous proposed restrictions on STAs in higher density rural zones are now being relaxed, subject to density requirements, due to concerns over fettering grandfathered STAs in those zones.

Bed and breakfast establishments will also be treated separately in the upcoming regime.

The Committee pf the Whole heard multiple audience comments concerning their issues with this version of the proposal, including the uncertainty with regard to commercially zoned STAs and the natural person ownership requirement, along with the point that fines for illegal STAs are not disincentivizing enough.

Committee then made a referral motion to staff calling for the:

• Investigation of steeper fines and restrictions for non-compliant STA operators;
• Reducing the 180 day limit for primary residence STAs to 45-60 days;
• Allowing primary residences with secondary units to operate year round;
• Allowing flexibility for commercially zoned STAs;
• Lowering residential density requirements;
• And removing secondary residence STAs.

The further revised proposal will be brought forward at another special committee meeting later this summer.

Listen to the story below: