April 19th ESSEX council meeting the following Notice of Motion was entered by Councillor Matyi:
‘Moved That… all license applications to operate short term rental properties established after May 2, 2022, will require the owner of the STR to be living in or on the property which is their primary residence, or within 100 metres of the property in their primary residence in order to be considered for a license to operate a short term rental unit in a residential (R) zoned neighbourhood’
Speaks to the following issues:
1- This motion will have NO effect on current STR owners that owned their property before May 2nd.
2. Will prevent Speculative property purchases currently happening in this municipality prior to STR bylaw adoption
3 Allows both planners and council the necessary length of time to properly research and prepare the final bylaw.
4. Allows current existing units to be considered for “grandfathering” subject to meeting the terms and conditions of the final STR bylaw.
5. In the long run, increases STR owner responsibility, proximity and therefore response time when problems arise
6. Supports local investment into properties- local homeowners are investors and spend locally too.
67 Will help limit saturation.
8. Will promote community well-being by not having every other house a short term rental.