Short-Term Accommodations and Bed & Breakfast: Licensing and Application Framework

Share Short-Term Accommodations and Bed & Breakfast: Licensing and Application Framework on Facebook Share Short-Term Accommodations and Bed & Breakfast: Licensing and Application Framework on Twitter Share Short-Term Accommodations and Bed & Breakfast: Licensing and Application Framework on Linkedin Email Short-Term Accommodations and Bed & Breakfast: Licensing and Application Framework link

The Town of Lincoln has adopted By-law No. 2024-61 to license, regulate and inspect Short Term Accommodations (STA) and Bed & Breakfast Establishments (B&B). The purpose of the by-law is to protect the health and safety of residents and guests, minimize potential impacts to surrounding properties and neighbourhoods, and to protect the residential character and stability of residential areas within the Town.

View the Notice of Passing

Get Involved!

Thank you to everyone who joined our Public Information Session in June 2024 and two stakeholder roundtables in April 2024. A recommendation report will come forward at the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 16, 2024, incorporating this feedback. More information.

Review the revised Licensing By-law and revised Zoning By-law Amendment.

See the Project Update below.

Changes to the proposed Framework have been incorporated based on feedback from the public engagement opportunities in 2023 and 2024.

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.


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 feedback from the Open Houses held in March and July 2023, a Public Meeting in October 2023 and a Committee of the Whole Meeting in March 2024, where the application was deferred pending further consultation with the public and stakeholder, Town Staff held two Roundtable Meetings in April 2024 with residents, operators, and stakeholders and a Public Information Session in June.

Town Staff have applied the following high level changes to the Short-Term Accommodations: Licensing and Application Framework since the initial proposal in October 2023:

1. Removal of the requirement for a Parking Management Plan.

  • Parking spaces are still required to be identified on the site plan.

2. Removal of the requirement for acknowledgement from the Niagara Region Private Septic System Inspectors for private sewage systems.

  • Applicant must sign a declaration stating that the property contains a functioning private sewage system.

3. Revision to the requirements for Fire Safety.

  • Applicant must provide a Fire Safety Protocol or Fire Safety Plan based on the proposed occupancy of the rental.

4. Removal of the requirement for an Electrical Safety Certificate

  • Applicant must sign a declaration stating that the property meets the requirements in O. Reg. 164/99: Electrical Safety Code.

5. Removal of the 180-day rental restriction in the Urban Area.

6. Revision to the application fee:

  • In October 2023 and March 2024, the application fee was proposed to be $700 for a two-year license.
  • Staff are proposing the application fee for a one-year license be $550, with the option of a two-year license for $650.
  • The license renewal fee is proposed at $150.

7. Revision to language within the Licensing By-law and Zoning By-law Amendment to remove a Bed and Breakfast Establishment from the definition of a Short Term Accommodation. However, Bed and Breakfast Establishments are still required to obtain a license.

8. Removal of the floor plan requirement as the guest rooms and occupancy limits can be identified on the Fire Safety Protocol/Plan.

Further updates:

  • 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”
  • 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.”

Revised 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 has adopted By-law No. 2024-61 to license, regulate and inspect Short Term Accommodations (STA) and Bed & Breakfast Establishments (B&B). The purpose of the by-law is to protect the health and safety of residents and guests, minimize potential impacts to surrounding properties and neighbourhoods, and to protect the residential character and stability of residential areas within the Town.

View the Notice of Passing

Get Involved!

Thank you to everyone who joined our Public Information Session in June 2024 and two stakeholder roundtables in April 2024. A recommendation report will come forward at the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 16, 2024, incorporating this feedback. More information.

Review the revised Licensing By-law and revised Zoning By-law Amendment.

See the Project Update below.

Changes to the proposed Framework have been incorporated based on feedback from the public engagement opportunities in 2023 and 2024.

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.


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 feedback from the Open Houses held in March and July 2023, a Public Meeting in October 2023 and a Committee of the Whole Meeting in March 2024, where the application was deferred pending further consultation with the public and stakeholder, Town Staff held two Roundtable Meetings in April 2024 with residents, operators, and stakeholders and a Public Information Session in June.

Town Staff have applied the following high level changes to the Short-Term Accommodations: Licensing and Application Framework since the initial proposal in October 2023:

1. Removal of the requirement for a Parking Management Plan.

  • Parking spaces are still required to be identified on the site plan.

2. Removal of the requirement for acknowledgement from the Niagara Region Private Septic System Inspectors for private sewage systems.

  • Applicant must sign a declaration stating that the property contains a functioning private sewage system.

3. Revision to the requirements for Fire Safety.

  • Applicant must provide a Fire Safety Protocol or Fire Safety Plan based on the proposed occupancy of the rental.

4. Removal of the requirement for an Electrical Safety Certificate

  • Applicant must sign a declaration stating that the property meets the requirements in O. Reg. 164/99: Electrical Safety Code.

5. Removal of the 180-day rental restriction in the Urban Area.

6. Revision to the application fee:

  • In October 2023 and March 2024, the application fee was proposed to be $700 for a two-year license.
  • Staff are proposing the application fee for a one-year license be $550, with the option of a two-year license for $650.
  • The license renewal fee is proposed at $150.

7. Revision to language within the Licensing By-law and Zoning By-law Amendment to remove a Bed and Breakfast Establishment from the definition of a Short Term Accommodation. However, Bed and Breakfast Establishments are still required to obtain a license.

8. Removal of the floor plan requirement as the guest rooms and occupancy limits can be identified on the Fire Safety Protocol/Plan.

Further updates:

  • 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”
  • 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.”

Revised 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. 

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share Hi there, We would like to apply for the short term rental accommodation licence for our house (4022 Stadelbauer Drive, Beamsville). I do not find the right application for this licence request. Can you please share the latest application form and the procedure along witg the tine line for obtaining this licence. on Facebook Share Hi there, We would like to apply for the short term rental accommodation licence for our house (4022 Stadelbauer Drive, Beamsville). I do not find the right application for this licence request. Can you please share the latest application form and the procedure along witg the tine line for obtaining this licence. on Twitter Share Hi there, We would like to apply for the short term rental accommodation licence for our house (4022 Stadelbauer Drive, Beamsville). I do not find the right application for this licence request. Can you please share the latest application form and the procedure along witg the tine line for obtaining this licence. on Linkedin Email Hi there, We would like to apply for the short term rental accommodation licence for our house (4022 Stadelbauer Drive, Beamsville). I do not find the right application for this licence request. Can you please share the latest application form and the procedure along witg the tine line for obtaining this licence. link

    Hi there, We would like to apply for the short term rental accommodation licence for our house (4022 Stadelbauer Drive, Beamsville). I do not find the right application for this licence request. Can you please share the latest application form and the procedure along witg the tine line for obtaining this licence.

    Krishna Komandla asked about 1 month ago

    Thanks for reaching out to us. 


    Applications can be submitted beginning November 1, 2024, and licenses must be obtained by March 16, 2025, for all STAs and B&Bs. Starting November 1, 2024, applications can be submitted at the following link: https://www.lincoln.ca/STA. 

  • Share I noticed that the number of guests is always limited to 4, unless it is in a single detached house. How does this accommodate families of 5 or what is the suggestion for that families' accommodation. I have witnessed and know many families that visit Niagara with more than 4 people and they always lament that it is difficult to find accommodations to suit their needs without doubling their costs by needing to rent an entire dwelling. Will there be provisions moving forward to more easily accommodate such families? My perception is many short term accommodations would lose business and families would take their overnight stays elsewhere if there is no flexibility for families of larger size. on Facebook Share I noticed that the number of guests is always limited to 4, unless it is in a single detached house. How does this accommodate families of 5 or what is the suggestion for that families' accommodation. I have witnessed and know many families that visit Niagara with more than 4 people and they always lament that it is difficult to find accommodations to suit their needs without doubling their costs by needing to rent an entire dwelling. Will there be provisions moving forward to more easily accommodate such families? My perception is many short term accommodations would lose business and families would take their overnight stays elsewhere if there is no flexibility for families of larger size. on Twitter Share I noticed that the number of guests is always limited to 4, unless it is in a single detached house. How does this accommodate families of 5 or what is the suggestion for that families' accommodation. I have witnessed and know many families that visit Niagara with more than 4 people and they always lament that it is difficult to find accommodations to suit their needs without doubling their costs by needing to rent an entire dwelling. Will there be provisions moving forward to more easily accommodate such families? My perception is many short term accommodations would lose business and families would take their overnight stays elsewhere if there is no flexibility for families of larger size. on Linkedin Email I noticed that the number of guests is always limited to 4, unless it is in a single detached house. How does this accommodate families of 5 or what is the suggestion for that families' accommodation. I have witnessed and know many families that visit Niagara with more than 4 people and they always lament that it is difficult to find accommodations to suit their needs without doubling their costs by needing to rent an entire dwelling. Will there be provisions moving forward to more easily accommodate such families? My perception is many short term accommodations would lose business and families would take their overnight stays elsewhere if there is no flexibility for families of larger size. link

    I noticed that the number of guests is always limited to 4, unless it is in a single detached house. How does this accommodate families of 5 or what is the suggestion for that families' accommodation. I have witnessed and know many families that visit Niagara with more than 4 people and they always lament that it is difficult to find accommodations to suit their needs without doubling their costs by needing to rent an entire dwelling. Will there be provisions moving forward to more easily accommodate such families? My perception is many short term accommodations would lose business and families would take their overnight stays elsewhere if there is no flexibility for families of larger size.

    Derek asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for your comments. As proposed, the maximum guest occupancy limits are to be 4 persons in a semi-detached, townhouse or accessory structure. Single detached dwellings are permitted to have a maximum guest occupancy of 12 persons. The purpose of the maximum guest occupancy limit is to ensure that appropriate parking can be provided on site for the rental. At this time, staff are not proposing to amend the occupancy restrictions but will take all comments into consideration before a final recommendation is made to Committee and Council.

  • Share Did this get passed now? on Facebook Share Did this get passed now? on Twitter Share Did this get passed now? on Linkedin Email Did this get passed now? link

    Did this get passed now?

    Anonymous asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your inquiry. A recommendation was brought forward to Committee of the Whole on March 4, 2024, and was deferred pending further consultation. Town staff held two stakeholder roundtables in April and a larger question-and-answer session in June. Staff anticipate that a subsequent recommendation report will be brought forward to the Town’s Committee of the Whole in September. 

  • Share Can homeowners operate an airbnb in Lincoln where they do not reside? on Facebook Share Can homeowners operate an airbnb in Lincoln where they do not reside? on Twitter Share Can homeowners operate an airbnb in Lincoln where they do not reside? on Linkedin Email Can homeowners operate an airbnb in Lincoln where they do not reside? link

    Can homeowners operate an airbnb in Lincoln where they do not reside?

    Beth asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Section 3.35 of the Town of Lincoln's current Zoning By-law only permits short term accommodations within the principal residence of the principal resident. To this end, the owner must reside in the dwelling unit offered as a short term accommodation.

  • 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 9 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 10 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 9 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 about 1 year 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 about 1 year 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 about 1 year ago

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

Page last updated: 25 Sep 2024, 11:16 AM