Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental (STR) refers to the accommodation of guests in a residential home for a period of less than 30 days. Residents of Fernie must apply for a business license to operate a legal short-term rental in their primary residence.

Which properties qualify for a Short-Term Rental?

  • A room or rooms in your primary residence.
  • An apartment, or house that is your primary residence.
  • Properties zoned as Condo/Hotels in the C-1, C-HWY and CD-2 zones.

Which properties DO NOT qualify for a Short-Term Rental?

  • Secondary Suites (including basement suites)
  • Attached and detached Garage Suites
  • Garden Suites
  • Secondary Homes

How to Apply

Residents applying for a Short-Term Rental Business License must submit a completed Self-Inspection Checklist with a Short-Term Rental Business License Application.

The Self-Inspection Checklist ensures the property owner has the required safety measures in-place to rent their home.

Applications can be submitted in person or by email at cityhall@fernie.ca. Fees can be paid at City Hall, by mail, or online at: https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/online-services/online-payments.html

Short Term Rental Business Licenses are issued according to the Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, 2003.

To understand which zoning designations allow short-term rentals, refer to Schedule C of the Zoning Bylaw No. 1750.

Condo / Hotel Zone Requirements

Condo / Hotel properties are permitted as short-term rentals in the C-1, C-HWY and CD-2 zones, such as Silver Rock and 901 Fernie apartments.

Owners of these properties must hold a standard City of Fernie Business License and submit a completed Self Inspection Checklist to operate.

If you have any questions about short-term rental regulations, please contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or bylawservices@fernie.ca