Banff cracking down unlicensed vacation properties
Town sending cease and desist letters to people renting homes out illegally to tourists
The Town of Banff is sending out cease and desist letters to people who have been renting out their homes to tourists on Airbnb and VRBO.
Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen says council has received a number of complaints in the last 12 to 18 months from hotels, hostels and licensed B&B operators in town.
"I think what we need the people who are doing this to understand is that offering the use of residential property as commercial accommodation to the traveling public is contrary not only to the Town of Banff land-use bylaw but more importantly, to the National Parks Act," said Sorensen.
She says at any one time, there are about 20 illegal vacation properties for rent online.
Tourist vs. Resident
It's not illegal to own a house in Banff and not reside in it, but you cannot rent it out to overnight tourists without a commercial development permit.
"You should be renting it on a monthly basis or an annual basis to a resident who needs it," Sorensen told the Homestretch on Wednesday.
And by resident, she means 'eligible resident' — someone working in Banff on a full-time basis.
Every year, thousands of temporary workers flock to the mountain town to work in the service industry.
With a zero-per cent vacancy rate, finding a solution to Banff's housing crunch has become a top priority for council.
"Having appropriate and comfortable housing for all members of our community is essential. By enforcing the current the laws, we're able to ensure that available housing stock is accessible to residents looking for a home," said Sorensen.
Anyone operating an illegal tourist home will first be sent a letter from the town, informing them that they are in violation of Banff's land use bylaw. If there is no response within a certain period of time, the town will ask the offender to cease and desist.
The town can also issue a fine up to $2,500.
"We're hoping we don't have to go to the full extend of the law," said Sorensen.
"We hope by education, and making sure that the person who is renting the place out knows that we are aware of it, and that is it illegal, and that they can be fined, will be enough to have them stop," she said.