MAPLETON – Short term accommodation, soon to come back to Centre Wellington council chambers, was a major topic in Mapleton on Tuesday.
A report before council detailed the latest on the licensing and regulation of STRA’s locally.
Heading into the meeting, Mapleton’s current regulations only allowed for short-term rental units in what’s known as the “principal residence,” meaning the individual renting out the unit must live at the property.
Mayor Gregg Davidson says to accommodate coming growth, this is something to investigate.
Davidson cautioned council about allowing STRA units to exist outside the principal residence.
The report before council was from Planning and Devlopment Manager, Michelle Brown, and detailed survey results which reflected how residents felt about the situation.
Brown told council deferring the issue was not a preferred option. She added there are several examples of those who would be affected by this decision, namely a resident named Shelley.
Several councillors chimed in during a long conversation.
Councillor Michael Martin, for one, was of the mindset a distinct definition of a short-term rental was one of several keys.
This definition was laid out before council in Tuesday’s agenda, and eventually approved. Council, to the advice of their Planning and Development Manager, moved on a decision at the meeting, maintaining the proverbial “status quo.”
Those looking to rent spaces like Air B-nB’s and B’B’s outside of their principal residence will continue to require a minor variance or zoning amendment.
