The following was before Halifax Regional Council:
- Staff report dated April 3, 2025
- Correspondence from Catherine Sanderson, J. Joseph Jesudason
- Staff presentation dated May 27, 2025
Kate Clark, Planner II, Regional Planning and Sean Audas, Manager of Land Development & Subdivision Program gave a presentation.
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent
THAT Halifax Regional Council:
1. Maintain the current Development Permit requirements for Short-Term Rentals;
2. Maintain the current regulatory approach to Short-Term Rentals of secondary units; and
3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a proactive enforcement program for Short-Term Rentals as outlined in the Discussion section of the staff report dated April 3, 2025.
Clark responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.
MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Cleary
THAT the motion be amended to include new part 4. "Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a staff report that considers additional options for short-term rentals of secondary suites and second units in residential areas in the urban area. The report should consider:
• Opportunities to permit short-term rentals close to universities and colleges in residential areas in the summer months if they are rented as long-term rentals September to April inclusive;
• Any required amendments to municipal planning strategies or land use by-laws or licensing solutions;
• Potential impacts on housing supply including data to inform decision making."
Audas and Leah Perrin, Manager of Regional Planning responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 1 against)
In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Deagle Gammon, Hendsbee, Kent, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillor Austin
Not present: Councillor Purdy
The motion as amended now read:
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent
THAT Halifax Regional Council:
1. Maintain the current Development Permit requirements for Short-Term Rentals;
2. Maintain the current regulatory approach to Short-Term Rentals of secondary units; and
3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a proactive enforcement program for Short-Term Rentals as outlined in the Discussion section of the staff report dated April 3, 2025.
4. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a staff report that considers additional options for short-term rentals of secondary suites and second units in residential areas in the urban area. The report should consider:
• Opportunities to permit short-term rentals close to universities and colleges in residential areas in the summer months if they are rented as long-term rentals September to April inclusive;
• Any required amendments to municipal planning strategies or land use by-laws or licensing solutions;
• Potential impacts on housing supply including data to inform decision making.
Audas, Clark and Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.
MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Steele
THAT the motion be amended to include a new part 5. "Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft amendments to the Planning District 14 & 17 Land Use By-law to permit one unit per lot to be used for a short-term rental, to be included in the Regional Plan Phase 4 package of amendments."
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Not present: Councillor Purdy
The motion as amended now read:
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent
THAT Halifax Regional Council:
1. Maintain the current Development Permit requirements for Short-Term Rentals;
2. Maintain the current regulatory approach to Short-Term Rentals of secondary units; and
3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop a proactive enforcement program for Short-Term Rentals as outlined in the Discussion section of the staff report dated April 3, 2025.
4. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a staff report that considers additional options for short-term rentals of secondary suites and second units in residential areas in the urban area. The report should consider:
• Opportunities to permit short-term rentals close to universities and colleges in residential areas in the summer months if they are rented as long-term rentals September to April inclusive;
• Any required amendments to municipal planning strategies or land use by-laws or licensing solutions;
• Potential impacts on housing supply including data to inform decision making.
5. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft amendments to the Planning District 14 & 17 Land Use By-law to permit one unit per lot to be used for a short-term rental, to be included in the Regional Plan Phase 4 package of amendments.
Clark and Audas responded to questions of clarification from Halifax Regional Council.
MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 1 against)
In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Deagle Gammon, Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillor Hinch
Not present: Councillor Purdy