Short-Term Accommodations: Licensing and Application Framework

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The Town of Lincoln is developing a Licensing and Application Framework to regulate the operations of Short-Term Accommodations (STAs) in the municipality. The Town has determined that there is a need to implement provisions in the Town’s Zoning By-law framework to support it.

Have Your Say

1. Committtee of the Whole Meeting | March 4, 2024
Short-Term Accommodation Licensing By-Law/Amendments to the Zoning By-Law

  • Meeting begins at 6 p.m.
  • Council Chambers Town Hall | 4800 South Service Rd., Beamsville
  • Watch the meeting on our YouTube Channel

To appear as a delegation for the meeting (in person or electronically), you must submit a delegation request either online at lincoln.ca/delegations, or by contacting the Clerk’s department:

The amendments to the existing Zoning By-law provisions and the implementation of a Licensing By-Law propose to regulate and license Short-Term Accommodations (STA) for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of persons residing in residential properties, minimizing potential impacts to surrounding properties and neighbourhoods, and to protect the residential character and stability of residential areas within the Town.

2. Thank you for your attendance.

  • Thank you to everyone who attended our Statutory Public Meeting on October 16, and our two Public Information Centres held in March and July 2023.

3. See the Project Update below.

Changes to the proposed Framework have been incorporated based on feedback from the public engagement opportunities in 2023.

4. Ask a question.

Use our Question/Answer tool below to share your thoughts or ask a question. Submitted questions/comments are moderated before they are published.


4. Contact a project lead.

Project leads are noted at the right of this page, under "Who's Listening."


Survey - Closed.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. We will keep this page updated on next steps in the project.

Project Update

After initial feedback from the first Public Information Centre on Thursday, March 30, 2023, Town Staff applied the following changes to the Short-Term Accommodations: Licensing and Application Framework.

  • The Short-Term Accommodation By-law will apply to traditional accommodations such as Bed & Breakfast Establishments and On-Farm Diversified Uses
  • New definition to Short-Term Accommodations: The use of a portion or all of a single detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling unit or an accessory structure to provide temporary accommodations to members of the travelling public for a maximum of 28 consecutive days per stay. Residential Short-Term Accommodations shall include bed and breakfast establishments and shall not include hotel/motel, boarding house dwelling or similar commercial or institutional use
  • Rural Tourist Accommodations is a new definition proposed to recognize On-Farm Diversified Uses. Rural tourist accommodations are defined as “a building(s) that are classified as an On-Farm Diversified land use that are used for the purposes of supplying sleeping accommodation to the travelling public. Rural Tourist Accommodations shall not include hotel/motel, commercial vacation dwelling unit, bed and breakfast establishment, boarding house dwelling or similar commercial or institutional use"
  • Commercial Vacation Dwelling Unit is a new definition, which is defined as "a “Dwelling Unit” above a business on a commercially zoned property that is rented for periods up to 28 consecutive days for use as temporary accommodation but is not occupied continuously as a principal residence. A “Commercial Vacation Dwelling Unit” shall not mean an “Apartment Dwelling”
  • Proposed fee of $700 for a two-year license
  • Added permissions to allow STA's to be located in accessory structures

For more information on the different types of Short-Term Accommodations, please view the chart below:


Why is the Town regulating short-term accommodations in Lincoln?

A Licensing and Application Framework allows for a balance of permitting private citizens to become part-time innkeepers, while providing a framework for this type of accommodation that recognizes impacts to the neighbours and the general community.

There are many acknowledged benefits to allowing STA’s within Lincoln. These include:

  • Increased Tourism support through a wider range of accommodation options, of which Lincoln is currently experiencing a shortfall;
  • Opportunity to attract more investment and increase visitation to our community;
  • Increased revenue for local businesses and therefore the entire community, as overnight visitors spend more money in the community;
  • Potential added revenue for the Town, minimizing burden on the taxpayer;
  • The opportunity to add criteria as conditions of license to address potential nuisance impacts to neighbouring properties;
  • Future implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax to support tourism marketing in Lincoln.

The Licensing Framework seeks to capitalize on the benefits, while minimizing some of the typical concerns about STAs, including:

  • Excessive noise
  • Land-use compatibility (especially in established low density residential neighbourhoods)
  • In rural areas, septic system capacity relating to large gatherings
  • Safety concerns
  • Parking concerns

Background:

As per the Town of Lincoln’s Zoning By-law, Short-Term Accommodations are defined as “the commercial use of an entire dwelling unit, of the principal resident, that may be rented for a period up to 28 consecutive days for use as temporary accommodation and used as an occasional or seasonal resident dwelling or recreation, rest, and relaxation. A Short-Term Accommodation shall not include a hotel/motel, inn, boarding house dwelling, or similar commercial or institutional use. The principal resident shall not reside in the dwelling unit while the short-term accommodation is being rented.”

Draft Licensing By-law:

Short Term Accommodations are permitted in residential areas as per the Town of Lincoln's Zoning By-law, provided that they are secondary to the primary use of the property. The licensing framework identified below is proposed to regulate the operations and serves to impose health and safety requirements, including restrictions and by-law compliance involving site inspections on Short-Term Accommodations.

The Zoning By-law also provides the following provisions that must be met in order to operate a Short-Term Accommodation:

  • Be clearly secondary to the main residential use.
  • Where required by the Town, be licensed pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001.
  • Not provide outside display, other than a legal sign which shall not exceed 0.3 square metres in area in the HR, R1, R2, and RM1 Zones, and which shall not exceed 0.6 square metres in area in all other Zone, indicating the same of the short term accommodation.
  • That approval be obtained from the Regional Public Health Department and the Town’s Building and Fire Departments.
  • Comply with the parking provisions of Section 4.

The Town of Lincoln is developing a Licensing and Application Framework to regulate the operations of Short-Term Accommodations (STAs) in the municipality. The Town has determined that there is a need to implement provisions in the Town’s Zoning By-law framework to support it.

Have Your Say

1. Committtee of the Whole Meeting | March 4, 2024
Short-Term Accommodation Licensing By-Law/Amendments to the Zoning By-Law

  • Meeting begins at 6 p.m.
  • Council Chambers Town Hall | 4800 South Service Rd., Beamsville
  • Watch the meeting on our YouTube Channel

To appear as a delegation for the meeting (in person or electronically), you must submit a delegation request either online at lincoln.ca/delegations, or by contacting the Clerk’s department:

The amendments to the existing Zoning By-law provisions and the implementation of a Licensing By-Law propose to regulate and license Short-Term Accommodations (STA) for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of persons residing in residential properties, minimizing potential impacts to surrounding properties and neighbourhoods, and to protect the residential character and stability of residential areas within the Town.

2. Thank you for your attendance.

  • Thank you to everyone who attended our Statutory Public Meeting on October 16, and our two Public Information Centres held in March and July 2023.

3. See the Project Update below.

Changes to the proposed Framework have been incorporated based on feedback from the public engagement opportunities in 2023.

4. Ask a question.

Use our Question/Answer tool below to share your thoughts or ask a question. Submitted questions/comments are moderated before they are published.


4. Contact a project lead.

Project leads are noted at the right of this page, under "Who's Listening."


Survey - Closed.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. We will keep this page updated on next steps in the project.

Project Update

After initial feedback from the first Public Information Centre on Thursday, March 30, 2023, Town Staff applied the following changes to the Short-Term Accommodations: Licensing and Application Framework.

  • The Short-Term Accommodation By-law will apply to traditional accommodations such as Bed & Breakfast Establishments and On-Farm Diversified Uses
  • New definition to Short-Term Accommodations: The use of a portion or all of a single detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling unit or an accessory structure to provide temporary accommodations to members of the travelling public for a maximum of 28 consecutive days per stay. Residential Short-Term Accommodations shall include bed and breakfast establishments and shall not include hotel/motel, boarding house dwelling or similar commercial or institutional use
  • Rural Tourist Accommodations is a new definition proposed to recognize On-Farm Diversified Uses. Rural tourist accommodations are defined as “a building(s) that are classified as an On-Farm Diversified land use that are used for the purposes of supplying sleeping accommodation to the travelling public. Rural Tourist Accommodations shall not include hotel/motel, commercial vacation dwelling unit, bed and breakfast establishment, boarding house dwelling or similar commercial or institutional use"
  • Commercial Vacation Dwelling Unit is a new definition, which is defined as "a “Dwelling Unit” above a business on a commercially zoned property that is rented for periods up to 28 consecutive days for use as temporary accommodation but is not occupied continuously as a principal residence. A “Commercial Vacation Dwelling Unit” shall not mean an “Apartment Dwelling”
  • Proposed fee of $700 for a two-year license
  • Added permissions to allow STA's to be located in accessory structures

For more information on the different types of Short-Term Accommodations, please view the chart below:


Why is the Town regulating short-term accommodations in Lincoln?

A Licensing and Application Framework allows for a balance of permitting private citizens to become part-time innkeepers, while providing a framework for this type of accommodation that recognizes impacts to the neighbours and the general community.

There are many acknowledged benefits to allowing STA’s within Lincoln. These include:

  • Increased Tourism support through a wider range of accommodation options, of which Lincoln is currently experiencing a shortfall;
  • Opportunity to attract more investment and increase visitation to our community;
  • Increased revenue for local businesses and therefore the entire community, as overnight visitors spend more money in the community;
  • Potential added revenue for the Town, minimizing burden on the taxpayer;
  • The opportunity to add criteria as conditions of license to address potential nuisance impacts to neighbouring properties;
  • Future implementation of a Municipal Accommodation Tax to support tourism marketing in Lincoln.

The Licensing Framework seeks to capitalize on the benefits, while minimizing some of the typical concerns about STAs, including:

  • Excessive noise
  • Land-use compatibility (especially in established low density residential neighbourhoods)
  • In rural areas, septic system capacity relating to large gatherings
  • Safety concerns
  • Parking concerns

Background:

As per the Town of Lincoln’s Zoning By-law, Short-Term Accommodations are defined as “the commercial use of an entire dwelling unit, of the principal resident, that may be rented for a period up to 28 consecutive days for use as temporary accommodation and used as an occasional or seasonal resident dwelling or recreation, rest, and relaxation. A Short-Term Accommodation shall not include a hotel/motel, inn, boarding house dwelling, or similar commercial or institutional use. The principal resident shall not reside in the dwelling unit while the short-term accommodation is being rented.”

Draft Licensing By-law:

Short Term Accommodations are permitted in residential areas as per the Town of Lincoln's Zoning By-law, provided that they are secondary to the primary use of the property. The licensing framework identified below is proposed to regulate the operations and serves to impose health and safety requirements, including restrictions and by-law compliance involving site inspections on Short-Term Accommodations.

The Zoning By-law also provides the following provisions that must be met in order to operate a Short-Term Accommodation:

  • Be clearly secondary to the main residential use.
  • Where required by the Town, be licensed pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001.
  • Not provide outside display, other than a legal sign which shall not exceed 0.3 square metres in area in the HR, R1, R2, and RM1 Zones, and which shall not exceed 0.6 square metres in area in all other Zone, indicating the same of the short term accommodation.
  • That approval be obtained from the Regional Public Health Department and the Town’s Building and Fire Departments.
  • Comply with the parking provisions of Section 4.

Questions on Short-Term Accommodations?

Please leave a question and we will provide a response as soon as possible. 

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  • Share When is the licensing taking effect? on Facebook Share When is the licensing taking effect? on Twitter Share When is the licensing taking effect? on Linkedin Email When is the licensing taking effect? link

    When is the licensing taking effect?

    Marion asked 2 months ago

    If approved on March 4th at the Town of Lincoln Committee of the Whole meeting, the By-law then has to be ratified by Council on March 25th. Staff are proposing a 6 month educational period prior to beginning enforcement, meaning that all rentals must be licensing by September 25, 2024 if the By-law is passed on March 4th and then ratified on March 24th.

  • Share We are researching cities to purchase a home and move. Currently we are surrounded by short-term rentals. This has ruined our neighborhood and sense of community with no real neighbors. If we were to choose Lincoln how will we be assured of not having short-term rentals in our neighborhood? on Facebook Share We are researching cities to purchase a home and move. Currently we are surrounded by short-term rentals. This has ruined our neighborhood and sense of community with no real neighbors. If we were to choose Lincoln how will we be assured of not having short-term rentals in our neighborhood? on Twitter Share We are researching cities to purchase a home and move. Currently we are surrounded by short-term rentals. This has ruined our neighborhood and sense of community with no real neighbors. If we were to choose Lincoln how will we be assured of not having short-term rentals in our neighborhood? on Linkedin Email We are researching cities to purchase a home and move. Currently we are surrounded by short-term rentals. This has ruined our neighborhood and sense of community with no real neighbors. If we were to choose Lincoln how will we be assured of not having short-term rentals in our neighborhood? link

    We are researching cities to purchase a home and move. Currently we are surrounded by short-term rentals. This has ruined our neighborhood and sense of community with no real neighbors. If we were to choose Lincoln how will we be assured of not having short-term rentals in our neighborhood?

    Pamela Kicenski asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Short Term Accommodations are proposed to be permitted in both the Urban and Rural areas of the Town, and the enhanced provisions proposed to be included in the Zoning By-law seek to regulate the use to protect the health and safety of guests and protect the character of mature and stable neighbourhoods. 

    In the Urban Area, it is to be a requirement that the dwelling unit used for the STA be the principle residence of the owner, meaning the owner of the household must reside at that location at least 180 days. Although we can’t assure anyone of not having STAs in their neighbourhood, the new STA Licensing and by-law will help protect and regulate their usage throughout the Town of Lincoln.

    If neighbours have any questions or concerns regarding STA's in their area, they can contact Town Staff.

  • Share Will the licensing fee be variable bases on number of rooms offered as STAs or a standard fee for all? on Facebook Share Will the licensing fee be variable bases on number of rooms offered as STAs or a standard fee for all? on Twitter Share Will the licensing fee be variable bases on number of rooms offered as STAs or a standard fee for all? on Linkedin Email Will the licensing fee be variable bases on number of rooms offered as STAs or a standard fee for all? link

    Will the licensing fee be variable bases on number of rooms offered as STAs or a standard fee for all?

    Marion Woodcock asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your questions. The licensing application fee will be a standard fee of $700 for two years.”

  • Share Would these new by-laws apply to student housing for grad students that are here for 4,8,or 12 month that are working on Master or PhD qualification? on Facebook Share Would these new by-laws apply to student housing for grad students that are here for 4,8,or 12 month that are working on Master or PhD qualification? on Twitter Share Would these new by-laws apply to student housing for grad students that are here for 4,8,or 12 month that are working on Master or PhD qualification? on Linkedin Email Would these new by-laws apply to student housing for grad students that are here for 4,8,or 12 month that are working on Master or PhD qualification? link

    Would these new by-laws apply to student housing for grad students that are here for 4,8,or 12 month that are working on Master or PhD qualification?

    TS asked 6 months ago

    Hello, Thank you for your question. Accommodations where rental leases for students extend beyond 28 consecutive days, they would not be subject to the licensing by-law.

  • Share I truly do understand that there is a housing crisis and the town is required to provide/keep up with the housing market for those who need a place to live full-time. I also understand that our small towns rely on tourism to maintain their businesses. A healthy town needs both full-time residents and visitors. The town of Lincoln does not have a lot of options in place for visiting guests/tourists so AirBnb is a perfect solution for those who wish to stay a few days to visit the area, hike the trails, enjoy the restaurants and wineries, play the golf courses and attend weddings. With AirBnb/traditional bed & breakfasts you have your full-time residents sharing their homes/properties with tourists, taking up no more land space but providing for both needs. It's a perfect solution! With the rising costs of living and high mortgage interest rates, this is a solution that allows our residents to provide for their families as well as give affordable stays for tourists. The town of Lincoln needs to not just consider the negative aspects of AirBnb but also the positive. Do you really want to push so much paperwork/fees/licensing and regulation that the average homeowner is pushed completely out of hosting from their own property? AirBnb rates/insurance is a significant cost to the host, as well as to the traveler. Of course the host can continue to try to pass on the costs to the guests, but that will soon lead to a drop in tourism in the area. With the current economy, many hosts are already experiencing a slowdown of visitors. Please consider keeping this as simple as possible. Otherwise you will lose many local hosts who have opened their arms/homes/properties to out-of-towners who fall in love with our town and spend their money here. Not to mention the costs that all of this will incur to the townspeople of Lincoln! In order to fully maintain all of this you will certainly need to hire on additional staff. Why not use the funds to improve the towns amenities? That BENEFITS both the full-time residents and the tourists rather than becomes a burden all tax payers are required to bear. You need to start small here. Celebrate the wins that Lincoln has seen in the tourism sector and the suddenly available accommodations, look at how you can BOOST that and improve that rather than legislate it till it's ground down to nothing. on Facebook Share I truly do understand that there is a housing crisis and the town is required to provide/keep up with the housing market for those who need a place to live full-time. I also understand that our small towns rely on tourism to maintain their businesses. A healthy town needs both full-time residents and visitors. The town of Lincoln does not have a lot of options in place for visiting guests/tourists so AirBnb is a perfect solution for those who wish to stay a few days to visit the area, hike the trails, enjoy the restaurants and wineries, play the golf courses and attend weddings. With AirBnb/traditional bed & breakfasts you have your full-time residents sharing their homes/properties with tourists, taking up no more land space but providing for both needs. It's a perfect solution! With the rising costs of living and high mortgage interest rates, this is a solution that allows our residents to provide for their families as well as give affordable stays for tourists. The town of Lincoln needs to not just consider the negative aspects of AirBnb but also the positive. Do you really want to push so much paperwork/fees/licensing and regulation that the average homeowner is pushed completely out of hosting from their own property? AirBnb rates/insurance is a significant cost to the host, as well as to the traveler. Of course the host can continue to try to pass on the costs to the guests, but that will soon lead to a drop in tourism in the area. With the current economy, many hosts are already experiencing a slowdown of visitors. Please consider keeping this as simple as possible. Otherwise you will lose many local hosts who have opened their arms/homes/properties to out-of-towners who fall in love with our town and spend their money here. Not to mention the costs that all of this will incur to the townspeople of Lincoln! In order to fully maintain all of this you will certainly need to hire on additional staff. Why not use the funds to improve the towns amenities? That BENEFITS both the full-time residents and the tourists rather than becomes a burden all tax payers are required to bear. You need to start small here. Celebrate the wins that Lincoln has seen in the tourism sector and the suddenly available accommodations, look at how you can BOOST that and improve that rather than legislate it till it's ground down to nothing. on Twitter Share I truly do understand that there is a housing crisis and the town is required to provide/keep up with the housing market for those who need a place to live full-time. I also understand that our small towns rely on tourism to maintain their businesses. A healthy town needs both full-time residents and visitors. The town of Lincoln does not have a lot of options in place for visiting guests/tourists so AirBnb is a perfect solution for those who wish to stay a few days to visit the area, hike the trails, enjoy the restaurants and wineries, play the golf courses and attend weddings. With AirBnb/traditional bed & breakfasts you have your full-time residents sharing their homes/properties with tourists, taking up no more land space but providing for both needs. It's a perfect solution! With the rising costs of living and high mortgage interest rates, this is a solution that allows our residents to provide for their families as well as give affordable stays for tourists. The town of Lincoln needs to not just consider the negative aspects of AirBnb but also the positive. Do you really want to push so much paperwork/fees/licensing and regulation that the average homeowner is pushed completely out of hosting from their own property? AirBnb rates/insurance is a significant cost to the host, as well as to the traveler. Of course the host can continue to try to pass on the costs to the guests, but that will soon lead to a drop in tourism in the area. With the current economy, many hosts are already experiencing a slowdown of visitors. Please consider keeping this as simple as possible. Otherwise you will lose many local hosts who have opened their arms/homes/properties to out-of-towners who fall in love with our town and spend their money here. Not to mention the costs that all of this will incur to the townspeople of Lincoln! In order to fully maintain all of this you will certainly need to hire on additional staff. Why not use the funds to improve the towns amenities? That BENEFITS both the full-time residents and the tourists rather than becomes a burden all tax payers are required to bear. You need to start small here. Celebrate the wins that Lincoln has seen in the tourism sector and the suddenly available accommodations, look at how you can BOOST that and improve that rather than legislate it till it's ground down to nothing. on Linkedin Email I truly do understand that there is a housing crisis and the town is required to provide/keep up with the housing market for those who need a place to live full-time. I also understand that our small towns rely on tourism to maintain their businesses. A healthy town needs both full-time residents and visitors. The town of Lincoln does not have a lot of options in place for visiting guests/tourists so AirBnb is a perfect solution for those who wish to stay a few days to visit the area, hike the trails, enjoy the restaurants and wineries, play the golf courses and attend weddings. With AirBnb/traditional bed & breakfasts you have your full-time residents sharing their homes/properties with tourists, taking up no more land space but providing for both needs. It's a perfect solution! With the rising costs of living and high mortgage interest rates, this is a solution that allows our residents to provide for their families as well as give affordable stays for tourists. The town of Lincoln needs to not just consider the negative aspects of AirBnb but also the positive. Do you really want to push so much paperwork/fees/licensing and regulation that the average homeowner is pushed completely out of hosting from their own property? AirBnb rates/insurance is a significant cost to the host, as well as to the traveler. Of course the host can continue to try to pass on the costs to the guests, but that will soon lead to a drop in tourism in the area. With the current economy, many hosts are already experiencing a slowdown of visitors. Please consider keeping this as simple as possible. Otherwise you will lose many local hosts who have opened their arms/homes/properties to out-of-towners who fall in love with our town and spend their money here. Not to mention the costs that all of this will incur to the townspeople of Lincoln! In order to fully maintain all of this you will certainly need to hire on additional staff. Why not use the funds to improve the towns amenities? That BENEFITS both the full-time residents and the tourists rather than becomes a burden all tax payers are required to bear. You need to start small here. Celebrate the wins that Lincoln has seen in the tourism sector and the suddenly available accommodations, look at how you can BOOST that and improve that rather than legislate it till it's ground down to nothing. link

    I truly do understand that there is a housing crisis and the town is required to provide/keep up with the housing market for those who need a place to live full-time. I also understand that our small towns rely on tourism to maintain their businesses. A healthy town needs both full-time residents and visitors. The town of Lincoln does not have a lot of options in place for visiting guests/tourists so AirBnb is a perfect solution for those who wish to stay a few days to visit the area, hike the trails, enjoy the restaurants and wineries, play the golf courses and attend weddings. With AirBnb/traditional bed & breakfasts you have your full-time residents sharing their homes/properties with tourists, taking up no more land space but providing for both needs. It's a perfect solution! With the rising costs of living and high mortgage interest rates, this is a solution that allows our residents to provide for their families as well as give affordable stays for tourists. The town of Lincoln needs to not just consider the negative aspects of AirBnb but also the positive. Do you really want to push so much paperwork/fees/licensing and regulation that the average homeowner is pushed completely out of hosting from their own property? AirBnb rates/insurance is a significant cost to the host, as well as to the traveler. Of course the host can continue to try to pass on the costs to the guests, but that will soon lead to a drop in tourism in the area. With the current economy, many hosts are already experiencing a slowdown of visitors. Please consider keeping this as simple as possible. Otherwise you will lose many local hosts who have opened their arms/homes/properties to out-of-towners who fall in love with our town and spend their money here. Not to mention the costs that all of this will incur to the townspeople of Lincoln! In order to fully maintain all of this you will certainly need to hire on additional staff. Why not use the funds to improve the towns amenities? That BENEFITS both the full-time residents and the tourists rather than becomes a burden all tax payers are required to bear. You need to start small here. Celebrate the wins that Lincoln has seen in the tourism sector and the suddenly available accommodations, look at how you can BOOST that and improve that rather than legislate it till it's ground down to nothing.

    Tamsen Donker asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your comments, they will be taken into consideration as staff work to revise the documents following the statutory public meeting.

  • Share Does the municipality only have issues with short-term rentals or have there been issues with any long-rentals? Why is there such a large discrepancy with building inspections and additional regulations? Long-term tenants are not guaranteed to be free of noise issues, parking problems, pet issues, smoking issues, fire hazards, occupancy issues, etc. They are subject to regular by-laws and standard units that are not inspected. Why such a big difference? A unit that is occupied less than 50% by vetted guests by a responsible host should be relatively problem free, as has been my own experience. on Facebook Share Does the municipality only have issues with short-term rentals or have there been issues with any long-rentals? Why is there such a large discrepancy with building inspections and additional regulations? Long-term tenants are not guaranteed to be free of noise issues, parking problems, pet issues, smoking issues, fire hazards, occupancy issues, etc. They are subject to regular by-laws and standard units that are not inspected. Why such a big difference? A unit that is occupied less than 50% by vetted guests by a responsible host should be relatively problem free, as has been my own experience. on Twitter Share Does the municipality only have issues with short-term rentals or have there been issues with any long-rentals? Why is there such a large discrepancy with building inspections and additional regulations? Long-term tenants are not guaranteed to be free of noise issues, parking problems, pet issues, smoking issues, fire hazards, occupancy issues, etc. They are subject to regular by-laws and standard units that are not inspected. Why such a big difference? A unit that is occupied less than 50% by vetted guests by a responsible host should be relatively problem free, as has been my own experience. on Linkedin Email Does the municipality only have issues with short-term rentals or have there been issues with any long-rentals? Why is there such a large discrepancy with building inspections and additional regulations? Long-term tenants are not guaranteed to be free of noise issues, parking problems, pet issues, smoking issues, fire hazards, occupancy issues, etc. They are subject to regular by-laws and standard units that are not inspected. Why such a big difference? A unit that is occupied less than 50% by vetted guests by a responsible host should be relatively problem free, as has been my own experience. link

    Does the municipality only have issues with short-term rentals or have there been issues with any long-rentals? Why is there such a large discrepancy with building inspections and additional regulations? Long-term tenants are not guaranteed to be free of noise issues, parking problems, pet issues, smoking issues, fire hazards, occupancy issues, etc. They are subject to regular by-laws and standard units that are not inspected. Why such a big difference? A unit that is occupied less than 50% by vetted guests by a responsible host should be relatively problem free, as has been my own experience.

    Jodie16 asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your comments, they will be taken into consideration as staff work to revise the documents following the statutory public meeting.

  • Share I don't know where to start with questions on this proposed bylaw. The whole document seems Orwellian. The application process (I think there are 16 submission requirements plus any additional ones the Town staff may want) itself should ensure there is no licensed short-term rentals in Lincoln. The Demerit system is laughable with the amount of authority granted to town staff and a structure that with a single noise complaint would see license suspended (what does the licensee now do with the existing bookings?). How is it realistic to make the licensee responsible for the behavior of guests? Why not allow anyone who wishes to do shortterm rentals (whether or not principal residence) be free to do so and encourage tourists to stay in Lincoln and spend their money? We have existing bylaws and police enforcement to address problems...which are the same problems we always have (fires, noise, fireworks, incessant dog barking, etc.). Adoption of this bylaw will lead to more staff at the town and increased property taxes (which no-one seems to care about anymore). I strongly encourage Town Council to abandon this initiative and focus on more pressing issues like curtailing budget increases and maintaining infrastructure( maybe even unwinding Regional Government). We truly do not need to regulate everything...let people try to find ways to work through very difficult economic times. Lincoln is a perfect location to encourage Shortterm rentals so that Lincoln is a destination apart from Niagara Falls and NOTL. on Facebook Share I don't know where to start with questions on this proposed bylaw. The whole document seems Orwellian. The application process (I think there are 16 submission requirements plus any additional ones the Town staff may want) itself should ensure there is no licensed short-term rentals in Lincoln. The Demerit system is laughable with the amount of authority granted to town staff and a structure that with a single noise complaint would see license suspended (what does the licensee now do with the existing bookings?). How is it realistic to make the licensee responsible for the behavior of guests? Why not allow anyone who wishes to do shortterm rentals (whether or not principal residence) be free to do so and encourage tourists to stay in Lincoln and spend their money? We have existing bylaws and police enforcement to address problems...which are the same problems we always have (fires, noise, fireworks, incessant dog barking, etc.). Adoption of this bylaw will lead to more staff at the town and increased property taxes (which no-one seems to care about anymore). I strongly encourage Town Council to abandon this initiative and focus on more pressing issues like curtailing budget increases and maintaining infrastructure( maybe even unwinding Regional Government). We truly do not need to regulate everything...let people try to find ways to work through very difficult economic times. Lincoln is a perfect location to encourage Shortterm rentals so that Lincoln is a destination apart from Niagara Falls and NOTL. on Twitter Share I don't know where to start with questions on this proposed bylaw. The whole document seems Orwellian. The application process (I think there are 16 submission requirements plus any additional ones the Town staff may want) itself should ensure there is no licensed short-term rentals in Lincoln. The Demerit system is laughable with the amount of authority granted to town staff and a structure that with a single noise complaint would see license suspended (what does the licensee now do with the existing bookings?). How is it realistic to make the licensee responsible for the behavior of guests? Why not allow anyone who wishes to do shortterm rentals (whether or not principal residence) be free to do so and encourage tourists to stay in Lincoln and spend their money? We have existing bylaws and police enforcement to address problems...which are the same problems we always have (fires, noise, fireworks, incessant dog barking, etc.). Adoption of this bylaw will lead to more staff at the town and increased property taxes (which no-one seems to care about anymore). I strongly encourage Town Council to abandon this initiative and focus on more pressing issues like curtailing budget increases and maintaining infrastructure( maybe even unwinding Regional Government). We truly do not need to regulate everything...let people try to find ways to work through very difficult economic times. Lincoln is a perfect location to encourage Shortterm rentals so that Lincoln is a destination apart from Niagara Falls and NOTL. on Linkedin Email I don't know where to start with questions on this proposed bylaw. The whole document seems Orwellian. The application process (I think there are 16 submission requirements plus any additional ones the Town staff may want) itself should ensure there is no licensed short-term rentals in Lincoln. The Demerit system is laughable with the amount of authority granted to town staff and a structure that with a single noise complaint would see license suspended (what does the licensee now do with the existing bookings?). How is it realistic to make the licensee responsible for the behavior of guests? Why not allow anyone who wishes to do shortterm rentals (whether or not principal residence) be free to do so and encourage tourists to stay in Lincoln and spend their money? We have existing bylaws and police enforcement to address problems...which are the same problems we always have (fires, noise, fireworks, incessant dog barking, etc.). Adoption of this bylaw will lead to more staff at the town and increased property taxes (which no-one seems to care about anymore). I strongly encourage Town Council to abandon this initiative and focus on more pressing issues like curtailing budget increases and maintaining infrastructure( maybe even unwinding Regional Government). We truly do not need to regulate everything...let people try to find ways to work through very difficult economic times. Lincoln is a perfect location to encourage Shortterm rentals so that Lincoln is a destination apart from Niagara Falls and NOTL. link

    I don't know where to start with questions on this proposed bylaw. The whole document seems Orwellian. The application process (I think there are 16 submission requirements plus any additional ones the Town staff may want) itself should ensure there is no licensed short-term rentals in Lincoln. The Demerit system is laughable with the amount of authority granted to town staff and a structure that with a single noise complaint would see license suspended (what does the licensee now do with the existing bookings?). How is it realistic to make the licensee responsible for the behavior of guests? Why not allow anyone who wishes to do shortterm rentals (whether or not principal residence) be free to do so and encourage tourists to stay in Lincoln and spend their money? We have existing bylaws and police enforcement to address problems...which are the same problems we always have (fires, noise, fireworks, incessant dog barking, etc.). Adoption of this bylaw will lead to more staff at the town and increased property taxes (which no-one seems to care about anymore). I strongly encourage Town Council to abandon this initiative and focus on more pressing issues like curtailing budget increases and maintaining infrastructure( maybe even unwinding Regional Government). We truly do not need to regulate everything...let people try to find ways to work through very difficult economic times. Lincoln is a perfect location to encourage Shortterm rentals so that Lincoln is a destination apart from Niagara Falls and NOTL.

    Tony1984 asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your comments, they will be taken into consideration as staff work to revise the documents following the statutory public meeting.

  • Share Given that so many local businesses are reliant on tourism, in addition to the municipalities push for increased tourism, what is the plan for tourist accommodation once so many short-term rentals are shut down? Day trips are not so appropriate for those wishing to enjoy wine country. on Facebook Share Given that so many local businesses are reliant on tourism, in addition to the municipalities push for increased tourism, what is the plan for tourist accommodation once so many short-term rentals are shut down? Day trips are not so appropriate for those wishing to enjoy wine country. on Twitter Share Given that so many local businesses are reliant on tourism, in addition to the municipalities push for increased tourism, what is the plan for tourist accommodation once so many short-term rentals are shut down? Day trips are not so appropriate for those wishing to enjoy wine country. on Linkedin Email Given that so many local businesses are reliant on tourism, in addition to the municipalities push for increased tourism, what is the plan for tourist accommodation once so many short-term rentals are shut down? Day trips are not so appropriate for those wishing to enjoy wine country. link

    Given that so many local businesses are reliant on tourism, in addition to the municipalities push for increased tourism, what is the plan for tourist accommodation once so many short-term rentals are shut down? Day trips are not so appropriate for those wishing to enjoy wine country.

    Jodie16 asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Investment attraction, including traditional and non-traditional accommodations, is a key priority for the Town of Lincoln, as outlined in the Town of Lincoln’s Economic Development and Action Plan, as well as the Town of Lincoln’s Tourism Strategy. With the Town of Lincoln growing as a tourism hotspot in Ontario, we have continually kept accommodations top of mind to support the tourism sector. Staff are currently working with local agriculture businesses, as well as traditional hotel/motel accommodations, to bring more accommodations to Lincoln that align with the Town of Lincoln’s proposed Short-term Accommodation By-law.

  • Share The proposed bylaw is trying to preempt hypothetical problems that may never be an issue, and in so doing will curtail the already limited places to stay for tourists and guests to our region. I do not understand how this bylaw accomplishes anything if as stated the intent is not to "create any additional levels of enforcement". If that is the case, then all the conditions being imposed are largely pointless, and the town would be better off just collecting the permit $ and enforcing our current bylaws. Limiting numbers of guests and parking based on structure types and sizes also seems unduly restrictive. Consider this hypothetical: if I live in a semi-detached house with 6 or 10 bedrooms even, given the town allowed the building in the first place, why should using it as a B&B be limited to 2 bedrooms? I could have my entire extended family come live with me permanently, using street parking, etc. with no issues, but that same property would be unfairly penalized under this proposed bylaw as it is written. A much lighter touch is needed here. Start small. Collect permit $ on an honour system to start. Get an idea of any issues and address them as the come up. Amend the bylaw as needed. Other municipalities that rely on tourism have gone this route with their STA bylaws as another commenter pointed out. on Facebook Share The proposed bylaw is trying to preempt hypothetical problems that may never be an issue, and in so doing will curtail the already limited places to stay for tourists and guests to our region. I do not understand how this bylaw accomplishes anything if as stated the intent is not to "create any additional levels of enforcement". If that is the case, then all the conditions being imposed are largely pointless, and the town would be better off just collecting the permit $ and enforcing our current bylaws. Limiting numbers of guests and parking based on structure types and sizes also seems unduly restrictive. Consider this hypothetical: if I live in a semi-detached house with 6 or 10 bedrooms even, given the town allowed the building in the first place, why should using it as a B&B be limited to 2 bedrooms? I could have my entire extended family come live with me permanently, using street parking, etc. with no issues, but that same property would be unfairly penalized under this proposed bylaw as it is written. A much lighter touch is needed here. Start small. Collect permit $ on an honour system to start. Get an idea of any issues and address them as the come up. Amend the bylaw as needed. Other municipalities that rely on tourism have gone this route with their STA bylaws as another commenter pointed out. on Twitter Share The proposed bylaw is trying to preempt hypothetical problems that may never be an issue, and in so doing will curtail the already limited places to stay for tourists and guests to our region. I do not understand how this bylaw accomplishes anything if as stated the intent is not to "create any additional levels of enforcement". If that is the case, then all the conditions being imposed are largely pointless, and the town would be better off just collecting the permit $ and enforcing our current bylaws. Limiting numbers of guests and parking based on structure types and sizes also seems unduly restrictive. Consider this hypothetical: if I live in a semi-detached house with 6 or 10 bedrooms even, given the town allowed the building in the first place, why should using it as a B&B be limited to 2 bedrooms? I could have my entire extended family come live with me permanently, using street parking, etc. with no issues, but that same property would be unfairly penalized under this proposed bylaw as it is written. A much lighter touch is needed here. Start small. Collect permit $ on an honour system to start. Get an idea of any issues and address them as the come up. Amend the bylaw as needed. Other municipalities that rely on tourism have gone this route with their STA bylaws as another commenter pointed out. on Linkedin Email The proposed bylaw is trying to preempt hypothetical problems that may never be an issue, and in so doing will curtail the already limited places to stay for tourists and guests to our region. I do not understand how this bylaw accomplishes anything if as stated the intent is not to "create any additional levels of enforcement". If that is the case, then all the conditions being imposed are largely pointless, and the town would be better off just collecting the permit $ and enforcing our current bylaws. Limiting numbers of guests and parking based on structure types and sizes also seems unduly restrictive. Consider this hypothetical: if I live in a semi-detached house with 6 or 10 bedrooms even, given the town allowed the building in the first place, why should using it as a B&B be limited to 2 bedrooms? I could have my entire extended family come live with me permanently, using street parking, etc. with no issues, but that same property would be unfairly penalized under this proposed bylaw as it is written. A much lighter touch is needed here. Start small. Collect permit $ on an honour system to start. Get an idea of any issues and address them as the come up. Amend the bylaw as needed. Other municipalities that rely on tourism have gone this route with their STA bylaws as another commenter pointed out. link

    The proposed bylaw is trying to preempt hypothetical problems that may never be an issue, and in so doing will curtail the already limited places to stay for tourists and guests to our region. I do not understand how this bylaw accomplishes anything if as stated the intent is not to "create any additional levels of enforcement". If that is the case, then all the conditions being imposed are largely pointless, and the town would be better off just collecting the permit $ and enforcing our current bylaws. Limiting numbers of guests and parking based on structure types and sizes also seems unduly restrictive. Consider this hypothetical: if I live in a semi-detached house with 6 or 10 bedrooms even, given the town allowed the building in the first place, why should using it as a B&B be limited to 2 bedrooms? I could have my entire extended family come live with me permanently, using street parking, etc. with no issues, but that same property would be unfairly penalized under this proposed bylaw as it is written. A much lighter touch is needed here. Start small. Collect permit $ on an honour system to start. Get an idea of any issues and address them as the come up. Amend the bylaw as needed. Other municipalities that rely on tourism have gone this route with their STA bylaws as another commenter pointed out.

    richardc asked 9 months ago

    Thank you for your comments, staff will take them into consideration as we work to refine the By-law, demerit point schedule and application framework.

  • Share Why are the proposed parking regulations (four spots for a two bedroom unit!) so much stricter than both NOTL and St. Catharines? on Facebook Share Why are the proposed parking regulations (four spots for a two bedroom unit!) so much stricter than both NOTL and St. Catharines? on Twitter Share Why are the proposed parking regulations (four spots for a two bedroom unit!) so much stricter than both NOTL and St. Catharines? on Linkedin Email Why are the proposed parking regulations (four spots for a two bedroom unit!) so much stricter than both NOTL and St. Catharines? link

    Why are the proposed parking regulations (four spots for a two bedroom unit!) so much stricter than both NOTL and St. Catharines?

    Jodie16 asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Please note that the existing Zoning By-law requires 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit, and 1 space per guest room. The current parking requirements included in the proposed licensing by-law is in keeping with the existing requirements in the Town of Lincoln’s Zoning By-law.

Page last updated: 19 Mar 2024, 11:41 AM