The City of Belleville now has a by-law regulating short term accommodations (STAs).
Council passed the by-law at its meeting Monday night. Municipalities province-wide, especially those that attract significant numbers of tourists, have been dealing with ballooning numbers of short term accommodations businesses leading to noise and garbage problems and creating turmoil in previously quiet neighbourhoods.
Locally Prince Edward County has been the first municipality to try and come to grips with problem STAs.
Regulation number one in Belleville’s by-law is that anyone operating a short term rental business get a licence from the city.
Initially, the number of STA licenses available would be 150. City staff have estimated the number of STAs in the city to be around 150.
To get a licence, a detailed application would have to be filled out and the premises inspected. Insurance would be required and the building would have to meet the fire code. There are regulations surrounding parking and property maintenance as well.
Group gatherings such as weddings would not be allowed. The initial licence fee is $1,000 and annual renewal would be $300.
STA operators have until April 30 to register.
