Editor:
Re: Bylaw 580 and Short Term Rentals
The public hearing for Sechelt’s new zoning Bylaw 580 has now been advertised for Sept. 8. An issue of concern to many residents is the provision for short term rentals. This was addressed by Sechelt Council at their June 15 regular council meeting and after the public consultation Zoom meetings and open house in late May. Temporary use permits, principal residence requirements, clarification of parking requirements and definitions for short term rental operator and secondary residence were some of items considered. Council directed staff to include proposed zoning amendments into draft Bylaw 580 at the time of consideration of second reading (Resolution No 2022-06B-23).
I have closely followed this issue. The version of Bylaw 580 presented for second reading does not include these amendments, and the version depicted on the “Have Your Say” website does not include them. They are not in the copy I picked up on Aug. 8, and I was assured that was the version going to public hearing. The June 15 regular council meeting is not listed on the “Have Your Say” website as a meeting where this issue was considered. Why?
For those who are interested in this issue, pay attention to Section 2.8 of Bylaw 580 and the definition of short term rentals and single family dwellings in the last section of Bylaw 580. Short term rentals are listed as an accessory use to a single family dwelling. I don’t see much difference from the current zoning except that short term rentals are now permitted in the R1, R2 and R3 zones and would be permitted in the R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and RU1 zones under Bylaw 580.
Judy Skogstad, Sechelt
