Cobourg's STRA zoning amendment bylaw appealed at OLT

For Rent Sign-By Chris Robert (Free Domain Use)-Upsplash

By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

Cobourg

The zoning bylaw amendment that would have legalized and regulated short term rental accommodations in Cobourg has been delayed, due to an Ontario Land Tribunal appeal.

The Town of Cobourg announces that appeals have been submitted to the Ontario Land Tribunal regarding the Zoning Amendment Bylaw that creates provisions specific to short-term rental accommodations.

As the licensing bylaw cannot be put into operation until these appeals have been dealt with, STRAs continue to be a prohibited use in the town.

In the meantime, the town continues to work collaboratively to help STRA operators to navigate the licensing program council has approved and ensure they can operate at the earliest possible date.

To that end, the town is proceeding with information sessions to provide an overview of the licensing program and to address questions from operators. Three such questions are scheduled in the coming weeks.

April 7 – 7 to 9 p.m. - Cobourg Community Centre (750 D'Arcy St.)

April 10 – 1 to 3 p.m. - A virtual session

April 14 – 1 to 3 p.m. - Citizens Forum, second floor west at Victoria Hall (55 King St. W.).

While the town cannot grant licenses until an OLT ruling, it recommends STRA operators prepare and submit licensing applications. An OLT ruling that is not favourable to the town will further delay the legalization and licensing of STRAs, in which case those who choose to operate STRAs could be subject to enforcement action if a complaint is submitted against their property.

For more information, e-mail licensing@cobourg.ca or call 905-372-8380