The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has launched a new hotline for residents to report non-compliant short-term rentals (STRs).
“The new hotline is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes both an option to report by phone and online,” said RDEK Planner II Justin Cook.
“The hotline should be used for any issues related to STRs including non-permitted operations, nuisance and noise complaints, guest behaviour issues, or violations of an issued permit.”
The RDEK says the new hotline is meant for STR operation within its six electoral areas and does not apply to STRs within municipalities.
“Having a mechanism in place that not only allows 24-hour-a-day access for residents to make a report but that also brings together the tracking system for complaints is so important,” said Cook.
“We have been working to get this service in place for several months, and we are excited to be able to see it fully up and running.”
The RDEK has also started talks with a contractor to help with identification and communication with non-compliant STR operators and property owners.
“Any STR operators who have not applied for the required STR Temporary Use Permit are encouraged to do so immediately,” said RDEK officials.
“Starting January 1, 2025, the application fees for delegated applications will increase from $1000 to $1,500, while non-delegated applications will increase from $2000 to $3000.”
The RDEK has also recently amended its STR regulations to limit the maximum number of guests to 10 per parcel.
“In addition, the RDEK Board moved to have future Official Community Plan processes consider zoning changes to identify areas for STRs and added the implementation of business licencing to its 2024/2025 Priority Projects Plan,” said the RDEK.
You can contact the STR reporting hotline at (778) 718-8545 or here.
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