Town of Milton exploring options for regulating short-term rentals

Over the years, Milton has experienced an increase in the number of short-term rentals operating in the community and as a result, the Town has been exploring options for the best ways to regulate them.

A short-term rental is also commonly known as home-sharing and is considered a type of accommodation where individuals rent out a residence or a portion of it for a short period of time. This time period is usually less than 30 days and the spaces are generally rented out through internet platforms such as AirBNB, VRBO and HomeAway.

Since short-term rentals are not regulated by provincial or regional policies, some municipalities have developed zoning and licensing requirements for them.

This is why a zoning by-law amendment has been proposed to recognize short-term rentals in residential areas in Milton.

The amendments will add the term “short-term rental” as a definition to the Town’s zoning by-law and require a certificate of occupancy. Additionally, the amendment proposes a minimum parking requirement of one off-street parking space for use by the short-term rental.

Earlier this year, council approved an implementation strategy, which the proposed zoning by-law amendments are considered part of.

The Town of Milton is currently inviting residents to participate in an upcoming virtual statutory public meeting to gather community feedback on the proposed zoning by-law amendment.

Residents are reminded that a decision about the amendment will not be made by Milton Council at this meeting.

A final zoning by-law amendment will then be brought forward to Council for approval at the same time as the short-term rental licensing by-law.