Central Okanagan Electoral Areas Short-term Rentals

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Have Your Say: Proposed Changes to Short-Term Rental Regulations

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is updating its regulations for short term rentals (STRs) in Electoral Areas East and West. These updates aim to create a clearer and more consistent regulatory framework that aligns with provincial legislation while reflecting the unique rural context and priorities of Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West.

Short term rentals play an important role in many rural communities by supporting tourism, generating income for property owners, and contributing to local businesses. At the same time, thoughtful regulations are needed to help maintain rural character, protect public safety, and balance the needs of both long-term residents and visitors.

Why this matters now:

  • Prospective STR operations within secondary suites are being turned away.
  • Current RDCO requirements don’t align with market demand for full-suite experiences, creating a gap that limits operators’ ability to meet these demands and the resulting economic benefits.
  • The Province now requires a business license for STR operators to register and list on major platforms, meaning previously unlicensed operators must now comply with RDCO licensing rules.

How Can You Participate?

Starting mid-January 2026, you can:

  • Complete an online survey on YourSay RDCO.
  • Attend a community open house in your electoral area to learn more, ask questions, and complete the survey in person.
  • Attend our online meeting for those who are unable to come to the in-person sessions. Details to come.

Your feedback will inform the final STR framework, which will go to the Regional Board for review in Spring.

What’s Being Proposed?

The RDCO’s initial approach to short-term rentals includes:

    • Defining short-term rentals (STRs) as stays of 90 days or less.
    • An RDCO Business License will be required for all short-term rentals. (Additional provincial licensing requirements, separate from RDCO, are also in place).
    • Continuing to license a maximum of one STR per property.
    • Allowing STRs in guest rooms or secondary suites.
    • Allowing STR operators to rent out the entire property for short-term stays (owners do not need to live there or be present during guest stays).
    • Enabling STR use only in areas that meet minimum life and safety standards (i.e., within a Fire Protection Area, proper servicing, emergency access, and at least one off-street parking space).
    • Not allowing STR use of an Accessory Dwelling Unit at this time.

These changes aim to create a clear, consistent framework that balances community safety, rural character, and economic opportunity.

Why Are We Making Changes?

  • In 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced Bill 35, the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, as part of its Homes for People plan, “to give governments stronger tools to enforce short-term rental bylaws.” This legislation:

    • Established consistent rules for short-term rentals (STRs) offered through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
    • Created a provincial enforcement system and strengthened enforcement powers for local governments.
    • Introduced a principal residency requirement for communities with populations of 10,000 and above, allowing STRs only in a host’s principal residence and restricting their use in secondary properties.

    As predominantly rural areas, Regional Districts were not mandated to adopt the principal residency requirement in their Electoral Areas. However, they may choose to “opt in” by resolution of the Board.

    Under Bill 35, the RDCO provides planning and bylaw services for Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West and has the authority to manage STRs through zoning regulations and business licensing. Currently:

    • STR operators in RDCO Electoral Areas must register with the Province’s STR Branch Registry to operate legally and be listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
    • Local bylaws and zoning regulations still apply.
    • Bed and Breakfast operations in residential zones require an RDCO business license to obtain a provincial registration number.


    At present, the only permitted STR model is a guest room within the principal residence in selected residential zones (the traditional bed and breakfast model). However, RDCO is proposing a new policy approach to provide more clarity and flexibility, including potentially allowing STRs in secondary suites and whole-homes.

    This engagement process will ask residents whether whole-home STRs should be allowed or if RDCO should continue requiring operators to remain on-site within the principal residence or an accessory dwelling unit. Your feedback will help inform changes to relevant bylaws.

Where Do These Rules Apply?

These regulations apply only to RDCO Electoral Areas. These include the communities of Joe Rich, Ellison, Black Mountain, Wilsons Landing, and other rural areas within Electoral Area East and West. These regulation changes do not apply to the City of Kelowna or other municipalities.


Why Your Feedback Matters

Community engagement is essential to ensure the final approach reflects local priorities, maintains rural character, and supports economic opportunities for our region.

Stay tuned for survey details and open house dates coming soon!


Your input matters. Help shape the future of short-term rentals in Central Okanagan Electoral Areas East and West.

Have Your Say: Proposed Changes to Short-Term Rental Regulations

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is updating its regulations for short term rentals (STRs) in Electoral Areas East and West. These updates aim to create a clearer and more consistent regulatory framework that aligns with provincial legislation while reflecting the unique rural context and priorities of Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West.

Short term rentals play an important role in many rural communities by supporting tourism, generating income for property owners, and contributing to local businesses. At the same time, thoughtful regulations are needed to help maintain rural character, protect public safety, and balance the needs of both long-term residents and visitors.

Why this matters now:

  • Prospective STR operations within secondary suites are being turned away.
  • Current RDCO requirements don’t align with market demand for full-suite experiences, creating a gap that limits operators’ ability to meet these demands and the resulting economic benefits.
  • The Province now requires a business license for STR operators to register and list on major platforms, meaning previously unlicensed operators must now comply with RDCO licensing rules.

How Can You Participate?

Starting mid-January 2026, you can:

  • Complete an online survey on YourSay RDCO.
  • Attend a community open house in your electoral area to learn more, ask questions, and complete the survey in person.
  • Attend our online meeting for those who are unable to come to the in-person sessions. Details to come.

Your feedback will inform the final STR framework, which will go to the Regional Board for review in Spring.

What’s Being Proposed?

The RDCO’s initial approach to short-term rentals includes:

    • Defining short-term rentals (STRs) as stays of 90 days or less.
    • An RDCO Business License will be required for all short-term rentals. (Additional provincial licensing requirements, separate from RDCO, are also in place).
    • Continuing to license a maximum of one STR per property.
    • Allowing STRs in guest rooms or secondary suites.
    • Allowing STR operators to rent out the entire property for short-term stays (owners do not need to live there or be present during guest stays).
    • Enabling STR use only in areas that meet minimum life and safety standards (i.e., within a Fire Protection Area, proper servicing, emergency access, and at least one off-street parking space).
    • Not allowing STR use of an Accessory Dwelling Unit at this time.

These changes aim to create a clear, consistent framework that balances community safety, rural character, and economic opportunity.

Why Are We Making Changes?

  • In 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced Bill 35, the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, as part of its Homes for People plan, “to give governments stronger tools to enforce short-term rental bylaws.” This legislation:

    • Established consistent rules for short-term rentals (STRs) offered through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
    • Created a provincial enforcement system and strengthened enforcement powers for local governments.
    • Introduced a principal residency requirement for communities with populations of 10,000 and above, allowing STRs only in a host’s principal residence and restricting their use in secondary properties.

    As predominantly rural areas, Regional Districts were not mandated to adopt the principal residency requirement in their Electoral Areas. However, they may choose to “opt in” by resolution of the Board.

    Under Bill 35, the RDCO provides planning and bylaw services for Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West and has the authority to manage STRs through zoning regulations and business licensing. Currently:

    • STR operators in RDCO Electoral Areas must register with the Province’s STR Branch Registry to operate legally and be listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
    • Local bylaws and zoning regulations still apply.
    • Bed and Breakfast operations in residential zones require an RDCO business license to obtain a provincial registration number.


    At present, the only permitted STR model is a guest room within the principal residence in selected residential zones (the traditional bed and breakfast model). However, RDCO is proposing a new policy approach to provide more clarity and flexibility, including potentially allowing STRs in secondary suites and whole-homes.

    This engagement process will ask residents whether whole-home STRs should be allowed or if RDCO should continue requiring operators to remain on-site within the principal residence or an accessory dwelling unit. Your feedback will help inform changes to relevant bylaws.

Where Do These Rules Apply?

These regulations apply only to RDCO Electoral Areas. These include the communities of Joe Rich, Ellison, Black Mountain, Wilsons Landing, and other rural areas within Electoral Area East and West. These regulation changes do not apply to the City of Kelowna or other municipalities.


Why Your Feedback Matters

Community engagement is essential to ensure the final approach reflects local priorities, maintains rural character, and supports economic opportunities for our region.

Stay tuned for survey details and open house dates coming soon!


Your input matters. Help shape the future of short-term rentals in Central Okanagan Electoral Areas East and West.

Page published: 18 Dec 2025, 03:28 PM