The RDEK recently launched a hotline to be used by residents for reporting non-compliant short term rentals (STRs).
“The new hotline is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes both an option to report by phone and online,” said RDEK Planner II Justin Cook.
“The hotline should be used for any issues related to STRs including non-permitted operations, nuisance and noise complaints, guest behaviour issues, or violations of an issued permit.”
This new hotline is meant for STR operation within the six electoral areas of the RDEK and does not apply to those located within municipalities.
Cooked added this new system uses a logging and tracking system that is an important tool in the RDEK's toolbox.
"Having a mechanism in place that not only allows 24-hour-a-day access for residents to make a report but that also brings together the tracking system for complaints is so important,” Cook explained. “We have been working to get this service in place for several months, and we are excited to be able to see it fully up and running.”
The RDEK has also engaged a contractor to help with identification and communication with non-compliant STR operators and property owners. Any STR operators who haven't already applied for the required STR Temporary Use Permit are encouraged to do so immediately.
Starting January 1, 2025, the application fees for delegated applications, will increase from $1000 to $1,500, while non-delegated applications will increase from $2000 to $3000.
Included in recent amendments to the RDEK’s STR Temporary Use Permit Policy was a maximum of 10 people per parcel for staff-delegated applications. In addition, the RDEK Board moved to have future Official Community Plan processes consider zoning changes to identify areas for STRs and added the implementation of business licencing to its 2024/2025 Priority Projects Plan.
More information is available on the Short-Term Rentals page on www.rdek.bc.ca.
