Short-Term Rental Accommodations Licences

WHAT IS A SHORT-TERM RENTAL? 

A Short-term rental (STR) is all or part of a dwelling unit rented out for less than 30 consecutive days.  

STR accommodations are commonly offered through online platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo and Kijiji. 

The purpose of the licensing program is to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals, to address community concerns and to ensure the safety of operators, renters and neighbours so that everyone may have an enjoyable experience in the Municipality. 

Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law and Application  Click here

Hard copies of the Application Package can be obtained at the Municipal Office located at 2 King Street East, St.-Charles Ontario. 

Background  

In 2021, Council showed an interest in managing STRs in our Municipality. Staff created the Short Term Rental Licencing By-law to aid in this management. The by-law was passed in June 2024. 

The licensing by-law includes provisions such as: 

• limit of 20 licences throughout the Municipality and one licence per property  

• permitted in all zones that permit a residential dwelling 

• limit of rental occupants based on septic capacity  

• require that a designated responsible person be assigned to respond within specific timeframes 

• enforcement tools such as fines and demerit points 

Travel Trailer Licences

The Municipality passed the Travel Trailer Licencing Bylaw in June of 2024.  Prior to the passing of this by-law, using a travel trailer for sleeping or eating was not permitted.  The new by-law allows short term use (up to 14 days in a calendar year) on all residential properties and offers a licence for those residents who use them for longer periods of time (May until November). 

 Please note! – A licence cannot be issued for a Travel Trailer on a vacant lot unless a Building Permit has been issued.   

 Travel Trailer Licensing By-Law and Application Click here

The Purpose Of The Travel Trailer License By-Law Is To: 

• Allow for the application of an Annual License (annual fee) of travel trailers on properties zoned Waterfront Residential (up to 1 licensed trailer), Rural (up to 2 licensed trailers) and Residential Rural (up to 2 licensed trailers)  

• Allow for the application of Special Occasion Licenses (no fee) for the short-term use of travel trailers on properties zoned Waterfront Residential, Rural, Residential Rural, Residential One, Institutional and Open Space for family gatherings, weddings, baseball tournaments, horse shows, fairs, etc. 

• Allow for travel trailers to be used as accommodation while building on a property before applying for a permit (with a licence in place) and during construction. 

• Allow for the short-term use of travel trailers for up to 14 days on properties zoned Waterfront Residential, Rural, Residential Rural and Residential One  

• Maintain the prohibition of the use of travel trailers on vacant land 

• Protect the environment by ensuring that the appropriate authority obtains proper approvals for sewage and that the regulations in each appropriate zone continue to conform to the current regulations under the Zoning By-law 2014-23 and Licensing By-law Agreement 

• Provide enforcement mechanisms when voluntary compliance is not achieved while attempting to strike a balance between those who oppose the use of travel trailers and those who wish to use travel trailers for short- or long-term licensing. 

Dog Tag and Kennel Licences

Dog tags and kennel licences are available to all residents who have dogs in the Municipality.  The Municipality requires that all dog owners register and licence any dog(s) that are over six (6) months of age. When a dog is licensed correctly, it will aid in quickly identifying an animal for return to its owner when it is lost and found in our community by either By-Law Enforcement Officers or concerned citizens. 

 Responsible Animal Ownership By-law (fees) Click here

 Dog Tag Application Form  Click here

Dog Kennel Licence Application Form  Click here

Hard copies of all applications can be obtained at the Municipal Office located at 2 King Street East, St.-Charles Ontario.