In advance of creating a licensing system I have met with a couple STR Owner/Operators and thought it might be proactive to provide feedback to administration in advance. If you have any feedback I welcome it- sbondy@essex.ca , I hope to hear from you.
December 6th, Council Provided Direction
“That Administration be directed to prepare a zoning by-law amendment as
outlined in Option 3 of the attached presentation to permit one (1) short term
rental in a main single detached dwelling in any Residential and Agricultural
zoning district, and in a dwelling unit in any commercial district; and
That Administration be directed to prepare a licensing by-law for short term
rentals“.
Full Report can be accessed here:
https://townofessex-pub.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6387
I understand this feedback may be all duplication but in case it is not I have the following comments.
Throughout my discussions with Owner Operators, many are in favour of licensing. Enforcement must follow with licensing so that those who have gone through the proper channels have not done so for nothing. Ideas are coming forward such as:
- The Town of Essex have a license form/number that be posted inside each STR where it can be easily seen, and it has an official look.
- On the license- emergency contacts, emergency plan ( map) etc
- All STR’s have information readily available on address, host contact, emergency numbers available for guests to find, proof that address is visible to emergency services.
- Code of conduct for guests inside a binder might be an option
- Proof of annual fire inspection
- Septic inspections? Upon approval or every 5 years?
- Eliminate the use of fireworks for all STR’s
- Parking requirements and must be on hard surface to stop cars all over grass
- Occupancy cap
- Licensing needs to be affordable and perhaps a 5 year license
The owners I have talked to are in support of the licensing as long as we back it up with enforcement to ensure an equal playing field. They are happy the caliber will be raised with standardization. They want guests coming to our area to have a high-quality experience so they return. Many have spent a lot of money, time to invest in their properties. It is also estimated that we have in existence close to 200 STR and not 80 which the Town has record of.
There is of course some anxiety with right now with owner/operators and I am hoping we can work with them to reduce the anxiety as they are an important part of our economy. Motel or not it has become clear to me that STR’s and Motel are attracting different types of clientele. The usual guest attending our STR’s are coming for a more luxurious experience. I hope council and the community can work through concerns and we can support STR owner operators as their businesses are a valuable asset to our community when we have the right safe guards in place.
