Short-term Rental Accommodations
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To report a STRU related concern including parking, noise, fire, and licensing infractions, please contact the 24/7 hotline to speak to a live agent at 1-833-ESSX STR (1-833-377-9787)
A Short Term Rental Unit (STRU) is a dwelling or dwelling unit used, with or without on-site supervision, for rental accommodation of a person or persons for a period of twenty-eight (28) consecutive days or less, within a calendar year, but may be rented for a longer period.
STRUs are most often found in residential areas and complexes but may also be in agricultural districts, commercial areas, campgrounds, and in a municipal harbour as houseboats.
STRUs provide an important and unique service to the local tourism economy by providing an alternate form of accommodation options for vacation goers. STRUs also provide alternate forms of accommodations for persons looking for temporary residence while on business or in the process of home renovations.
Since STRUs are often found in residential neighbourhoods, the Town of Essex has adopted a system of zoning regulations and licensing to ensure STRU operators are complying with municipal bylaws, and that the character of neighbourhoods is maintained. All persons seeking to operate a STRU in the Town of Essex must be located in a district, and within a building, where STRUs are permitted under the Zoning Bylaw. All STRU must also obtain a licence from the Town of Essex to operate within the jurisdiction.
Create your account and begin the licensing process.
| How do I apply for an STRU License? |
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To apply for an STRU license, create your account and begin your STRU Licensing Application. Having Technical Trouble with your application? Contact CloudPermit Support.
Having Trouble with your licensing application? Learn how to send us a message within CloudPermit. |
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Can I use my own Renters Code or one provided by a Short Term Rental Company such as Air BnB? |
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We require a Renters Code that is provided by the Town, or a document otherwise approved by the Town, including what is provided by a Short Term Rental Company, that sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Renter, including behavioural expectations as they relate to non-disturbance, which provides a warning related to the making of a Disturbance, and which identifies applicable Town by-laws that the Renter must comply with including the relevant provisions of this By-Law and the Renter's Code. |
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How many parking spaces does my STRU need to have? |
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STRU’s need a minimum of one on-site parking space and one additional space for each two beds. Example: 1 bed = 1 parking spaces required 2 beds = 2 parking spaces required 3 beds = 2 parking spaces required 4 beds = 3 parking spaces required 5 beds = 3 parking spaces required 6 beds = 4 parking spaces required 7 beds = 4 parking spaces required 8 beds = 5 parking spaces required |
| Where are STRUs Permitted in the Town of Essex? |
| STRUs are permitted exclusively in an existing dwelling within a residential district where the STRU has been both established prior to and in operation on May 9, 2022. A STRU established within a dwelling following this date would not qualify for a licence because it does not comply with the zoning bylaw. In this situation, an application for site-specific zoning amendment is required. An STRU operating in a building or structure within a residential district other than a dwelling would not qualify for a licence.
A new or existing STRU is permitted within a single detached dwelling within the agricultural district; in a dwelling or dwelling unit in a combined use building in a commercial district; and, in a cabin located in a campground n Green Districts 1.2 and 1.5. To determine if you STRU complies with the Zoning Bylaw, please submit an application. |
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What is the process for obtaining a STRU licence and what is the application fee? |
| The licensing period officially commenced on September 1, 2022. STRU operators have until December 31, 2022 to make an application for a licence. The cost of the application is $700 and is valid for 3 years. The following flow chart illustrates the process for obtaining a licence. For questions regarding the process, please contact str@essex.ca.
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| I operate a Bed and Breakfast dwelling or another form of short-term rental. Do I require a licence? |
| A Bed and Breakfast dwelling does not require a STRU licence. A bed and Breakfast dwelling is defined as a single detached dwelling in which, as a home occupation under subsection 8.5 of the zoning bylaw, on-site supervised sleeping accommodations is provided for hire to the traveling public in the form of overnight lodging and the serving of a breakfast exclusively to overnight guests.
A STRU licence is not required for a lodging house, residential care facility or group home or a dwelling unit in a hotel or motel. |
| I have concerns with a STRU operating in my neighbourhood. Who do I contact? |
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Online: STR noise and parking concerns can be submitted anytime online using the Town of Essex Report a Problem system. Phone: To report a STRU related concern including parking, noise, fire, and licensing infractions, please contact the 24/7 hotline to speak to a live agent at 1-833-377-9787
In case of emergencies, contact 911.
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Can I transfer my STR License Ownership? |
| As per section 4.3 of By-Law 2025 Licences issued pursuant to this By-Law are immediately considered to be expired when a change in the Owner of the Short Term Rental Unit occurs. However, section 2.2 of By-Law 2025,provides that any transfer or assignment of an STRU License will need written consent of the Town Licensing Administrator. Having a property that is conforming to the STRU Zoning By-Law 2150 will aid in the transfer however, the License for the STRU property will need to be in good standing with the Town. |
| Troubleshoot |
Support
At the top of the page, you will find the following menu options:
Pre-Consultation
When you have completed your pre-consultation, click the ‘Request Pre-Consultation’ button at the top right corner of your page. This button will only become active when all required information and attachments are complete.
*If the ‘Request Pre-Consultation’ is not active, you may be missing information. Any missing information or missing attachments will be noted.
AttachmentsA red line next to an attachment indicates that the attachment is missing. As you add your attachments, you will have the option to specify the type of attachment you are uploading (e.g., listing, receipts, etc). Please note you can select more then one attachment type for each document.
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Additional Resources
- Bylaw 2150
- Bylaw 2025
- STRU Open House Presentation
- STRU Renter's Code
- STRU Requirements
- STRU Licensing Application
If you wish to stay connected with this project, please contact str@essex.ca with a request to be placed on the STR mailing list, or visit this page.
STRU Open House
Missed the Short Term Rental Unit (STRU) Open House on August 23, 2022?
View the Open house Presentation online to learn about zoning regulations and the licensing process.
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