Report on Agenda Dec 5th:
https://townofessex-pub.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6387
There is now an active link on the Town Website:
The words below is bold print are the most recent update to council.
“The webpage also includes links to reports and presentations on the topic, and a registration form that may be completed and submitted to Planning by STR operators as an interim means to provide contact information should an issue arise.
The webpage will continue to be updated as the STR project progresses. A report is scheduled to come to Council on December 6th with zoning recommendations based on a thorough review of existing STRs in the Town.“
History on the File as of August 22nd, 2021
If you have been following the Short Term Rental discussion in the Town of Essex, check out the report on the agenda and see the work that has been done and next steps…
In rendering a decision, Council should have consideration to the following:
– Amendments to Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw 1037 to recognize and regulate STRs
must only be adopted in combination with a Licensing Bylaw. Without a licensing
bylaw, there would be no means to enforce the Zoning Bylaw. A licensing bylaw is
proposed for adoption in January 2022;
– At this time, the Town of Essex Official Plan does not have policies to support short
term rental accommodations in Residential zoning districts, other than bed and
breakfast dwellings as home occupations (owner occupied).
– At this time, a zoning bylaw amendment could therefore not be adopted with
provisions to permit STRs in residential districts until an Official Plan Amendment is
approved by the County of Essex. Council can either direct administration to initiate an
Official Plan Amendment to consider STRs in residential districts at this time, or review
these policies alternatively during the development of the New Official Plan, which will
likely take over one year to complete.
– Administration will be proposing amendments to Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw 1037
to consider limited accommodations, other than Bed and breakfast dwellings, in
agricultural districts as an agri-tourism use supplementary to an agricultural operation.
The following immediate actions are recommended:
– Fall/Winter 2021: Collect an inventory of existing STRs in the Town of Essex through a
review of popular STR platforms. Inventory will help inform the location and number
of STRs for the development of a future zoning bylaw amendment and licensing
bylaw.
-Fall/Winter 2021: Encourage STR operators through a media campaign to register their
business through submission of the existing Business Registration Form. Attached is a
copy of the Town of Essex Business Registration form. The form will provide vital
information regarding owner name and contact;
– Fall/Winter 2021: Encourage residents through a media campaign to report an issue
with noise or other nuisances resulting from a STR to Bylaw Enforcement or the OPP
– Fall/winter 2021: Prepare a zoning bylaw amendment to include regulations for
limited short term accommodations as agri-tourism uses supplementary to
agricultural operations in agricultural districts
– Fall/winter 2021: liaise with the County of Essex on the feasibility of an Official Plan
Amendment to permit STRs in residential districts that are not owner occupied.
The Town of Essex currently provides several opportunities in different zoning districts to
allow residents and investors to establish unique accommodations for the travelling public
(ie. A bed and breakfast dwelling in a residential district, or a hotel and motel in a commercial
district). These recommendations are intended to be temporary measures so more
information on the location and number of STRs in the Town can be gained, and until such
time a licensing bylaw is crafted.
https://townofessex-pub.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=4505
