A public hearing on recommended changes to 琉璃神社鈥檚 short-term rental zoning bylaw could see a packed house on Nov. 21.

The city will be starting that hearing earlier than usual, at 3 p.m.

鈥淲e are inviting public comment so that council can understand the impacts of the changes being proposed specific to 琉璃神社, before coming to a decision,鈥� said Ryan Smith, director of planning and development. 鈥淎t the same time, we know short-term rentals are having a negative impact on housing availability and affordability across the country 鈥� and that more regulatory changes are expected from the province as a result.鈥�

A media release from the city says that 鈥榳hile the provincial government has also made recent announcements that may affect short-term rental operation in B.C., the legislative changes by the province are not under consideration at Tuesday鈥檚 hearing.鈥�

It will only focus on proposed changes to the City of 琉璃神社鈥檚 zoning bylaw to remove short-term rental accommodation as a permitted secondary use.

鈥淥ur data shows that as many as 50 per cent of the approximately 2,400 short-term rentals currently listed in 琉璃神社 are operating illegally,鈥� said Smith.

If the proposed changes are approved by council, any properties with valid secondary use short-term rental accommodation business licences would be permitted to continue operating.

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