VIDEO: City of Kelowna looking to curtail Airbnb style rentals

Thinking of renting out that carriage house on Airbnb? What about the basement suite? If the City of Kelowna goes ahead with the plans in the works, you may have to think again.

The City of Kelowna is working on by-laws to "Limit the scale and impact of short term rental accommodation," said Community Planning Supervisor Laura Bentley.

Councillor Ryan Donn has opposed the proposals as written, suggesting they go too far.

The aim of the City's proposed bylaws are to allow for short term rentals in principle residences most zones, but not secondary suites or carriage homes.

Zoning restrictions and licensing fees are being developed in an effort to defend the availability and affordability of long term rentals in the community, and to combat nuisances related to the speedy growth of short term rentals. The City estimated there can be as many as 2,000 of these kinds of units advertised for rent in the month of April.

"This threatens the security of tenancy for long term renters," said Bentley, "and the availability of long term rental housing in tourism season in particular."

Bentley also indicated there have been complaints about the impact of these kinds of rentals in neighbourhoods.

"Bylaw services has responded to increasing complaints of noise and parking issues related to short term rentals," she said. The proposal that went before council would include a licensing fee of $345 for those renting out their principal residence and $750 for non principal residence rentals.

Mayor Colin Basran spoke in favour of the package of proposals at Monday's council meeting. "Having continuously heard about the difficulty of finding a place to live long term in our city," said Basran, "that to me is first and foremost."

A finalized set of by-law recommendations will go back before council next year.