Short-Term Rentals

 Additional Requirements

Operators of short-term rental accommodations are also required to:

• Keep a register of renters and guests, including contact information and check-in/check-out dates
• Keep a register of safety checks on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. 
• Report on septic inspections, if one is present
  
• Report on private well water quality results, if one is present 
• Complete a statutory declaration to confirm they understand their responsibilities as an owner

Application deadline: March 1, 2026

• Applicant receives a Conditional Licence while a comprehensive review of their application is conducted

  • Staff estimate a complete review of the application and required site visits would be completed within 120 days for a typical application.

  • Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.

  • Late applications are subject to a 25% late fee, which will allow the applicant to receive a Conditional Licence, and the application will be put into the queue for a comprehensive review

• Initial Application Fee: $800 +HST
• Renewal Fee (annual): $480 +HST

Existing Operators of units outside of Vacation Residential Zones (e.g. those OUTSIDE Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores)

• Application deadline: November 1, 2025
  • Applicant receives a Conditional Licence while a comprehensive review of their application is conducted
  • Staff estimate a complete review of the application and required site visits would be completed within 90 days for a typical application. 
  • Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
  • Late applications are subject to a 25% late fee, which will allow the applicant to receive a Conditional Licence, and the application will be put into the queue for a comprehensive review
• Initial Application Fee: $1,000 +HST
• Renewal Fee (annual): $600 +HST

• Applications are accepted at any time.
  • Applicants are not eligible for a Conditional Licence and may not operate until their application has been reviewed, all required inspections are completed, and a full licence has been issued.
  • Staff estimate licenses to be issued within 30-60 days of receipt of the application.
• Fees:
  • Trailers, mobile homes, park model homes (vacation residential zone only)
    • Initial Application Fee: $800 +HST
    • Renewal Fee (annual): $480 +HST
  • All other dwelling units
    • Initial Application Fee: $1,000 +HST
    • Renewal Fee (annual): $600 +HST

Checklist for Applications by Owners

• Contact information for all registered owners of the property 
• Links to any advertising for your short-term rental (i.e. Airbnb link, Facebook page link, etc.)
• Contact information for your local contact person (this can be you, if you can be contacted by phone within 30 minutes and can attend the property within 60 minutes)
• Proof of ownership of the short-term rental property/premises 
• Statutory declaration signed by all owners of the property stating each owner understands their responsibility as a Licensee
• Site diagram of the short-term rental premises. Each site diagram should include the following:
  • The location of all Buildings on the Property;
  • The location of wells and all components of sewage systems;
  • The use of each room;
  • The location of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and early warning devices;
  • The location of fire extinguishers and exits;
  • The location of records of tests and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, early warning devices and fire extinguishers;
  • The location of all gas and electric appliances;
  • The location of all fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances;
  • All entrances/exits to and from all Buildings;
  • The exterior decks and related site amenities including dimensioned Parking Spaces, and other Buildings or structures on the Property; and

  • Units located outside of Vacation Residential Zones (eg. Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores) must also show:

    • The location of all garbage and/or garbage containers, the type of all garbage containers proposed, as well as the day of the week that garbage will be removed. Commercial-size garbage containers are not permitted unless the Licensing Officer, in their sole discretion, is satisfied that the site is appropriate for such containers.
• Certificate of insurance showing a liability limit of $2,000,000 and an indication that the premises is operating as a short-term rental accommodation
• A copy of an electrical general inspection dated within 5 years of the date of application. Please note this must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor
• A copy of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection report issued by an HVAC technician within the last year
• If you have a wood burning appliance on the property, a copy of a wood energy technical transfer (WETT) report dated within 5 years of the date of application. Please note that this report must be issued by a certified WETT inspector
• If you have a private septic system, a copy of a recent annual report from a licensed septic maintenance company that indicates the septic is in good working order
• If you have a private septic system, a copy of record(s) of any in-year septic tank pump outs
• If you have a private well or get your drinking water from another private drinking water system, provide a copy of the records of all water testing and test results from Niagara Region Public Health from within the last year. Please note these tests must be submitted to Niagara Region Public Health a minimum of three times per year going forward.
• Information about pre-existing bookings
  • If you have any bookings that were made before May 13, 2025, which may not comply with the renter or guest limits established in the new By-law, provide documented proof of each booking (e.g., time-stamped reservation confirmation or dated payment receipt). These bookings may be considered for a case-by-case review until May 13, 2026, at the discretion of the Licensing Officer
  • Please note: this accommodation only applies to honouring those specific pre-May 13, 2025 bookings; all other licensing, safety, and nuisance requirements remain in effect.
• Credit card to complete online payment 

Checklist for Applications on behalf of an Owner (application as an Agent)

• Contact information for all registered owners of the property 
• A letter of authorization, signed by all registered owners of the Short-Term Rental Accommodation property, confirming that you are authorized to act as their Agent
• A statutory declaration, signed by all owners of the property, stating each owner understands their responsibility as a Licensee
• Links to any advertising for your short-term rental (i.e. Airbnb link, Facebook page link, etc.)
• Contact information for your local contact person (this can be you, if you can be contacted by phone within 30 minutes and can attend the property within 60 minutes)
• Proof of ownership of the short-term rental property/premises 
• Site diagram of the short-term rental premises. Each site diagram should include the following:
  • The location of all Buildings on the Property;
  • The location of wells and all components of sewage systems;
  • The use of each room;
  • The location of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and early warning devices;
  • The location of fire extinguishers and exits;
  • The location of records of tests and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, early warning devices and fire extinguishers;
  • The location of all gas and electric appliances;
  • The location of all fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances;
  • All entrances/exits to and from all Buildings;
  • The exterior decks and related site amenities including dimensioned Parking Spaces, and other Buildings or structures on the Property; and

  • Units located outside of Vacation Residential Zones (eg. Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores) must also show:

    • The location of all garbage and/or garbage containers, the type of all garbage containers proposed, as well as the day of the week that garbage will be removed. Commercial-size garbage containers are not permitted unless the Licensing Officer, in their sole discretion, is satisfied that the site is appropriate for such containers.
• Certificate of insurance showing a liability limit of $2,000,000 and an indication that the premises is operating as a short-term rental accommodation
• A copy of an electrical general inspection dated within 5 years of the date of application. Please note this must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor
• A copy of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection report issued by an HVAC technician within the last year
• If you have a wood burning appliance on the property, a copy of a wood energy technical transfer (WETT) report dated within 5 years of the date of application. Please note that this report must be issued by a certified WETT inspector
• If you have a private septic system, a copy of a recent annual report from a licensed septic maintenance company that indicates the septic is in good working order
• If you have a private septic system, a copy of record(s) of any in-year septic tank pump outs
• If you have a private well or get your drinking water from another private drinking water system, provide a copy of the records of all water testing and test results from Niagara Region Public Health from within the last year. Please note these tests must be submitted to Niagara Region Public Health a minimum of three times per year going forward.
• Information about pre-existing bookings
  • If you have any bookings that were made before May 13, 2025, which may not comply with the renter or guest limits established in the new By-law, provide documented proof of each booking (e.g., time-stamped reservation confirmation or dated payment receipt). These bookings may be considered for a case-by-case review until May 13, 2026, at the discretion of the Licensing Officer
  • Please note: this accommodation only applies to honouring those specific pre-May 13, 2025 bookings; all other licensing, safety, and nuisance requirements remain in effect.
• Credit card to complete online payment 

Checklist for Applications on behalf of a Corporation

• A letter of authorization, signed by all members of the Board of Directors of the corporation, stating each owner understands their responsibility as a Licensee
• Details about the corporation
  • Contact information
  • Incorporating documents
  • The most recent corporate filing with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services; please ensure the document contains a list of all directors and officers and the head office address of the corporation
  • A letter indicating resolution of the Board of Directors of the corporation authorizing the application for a license
  • A copy of the corporation’s annual return under the Corporations Information Act R.O 1990.c C.39
• Links to any advertising for your short-term rental (i.e. Airbnb link, Facebook page link, etc.)
• Contact information for your local contact person (this can be you, if you can be contacted by phone within 30 minutes and can attend the property within 60 minutes)
• Proof of ownership of the short-term rental property/premises 
• Site diagram of the short-term rental premises. Each site diagram should include the following:
  • The location of all Buildings on the Property;
  • The location of wells and all components of sewage systems;
  • The use of each room;
  • The location of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and early warning devices;
  • The location of fire extinguishers and exits;
  • The location of records of tests and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, early warning devices and fire extinguishers;
  • The location of all gas and electric appliances;
  • The location of all fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances;
  • All entrances/exits to and from all Buildings;
  • The exterior decks and related site amenities including dimensioned Parking Spaces, and other Buildings or structures on the Property; and

  • Units located outside of Vacation Residential Zones (eg. Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores) must also show:

    • The location of all garbage and/or garbage containers, the type of all garbage containers proposed, as well as the day of the week that garbage will be removed. Commercial-size garbage containers are not permitted unless the Licensing Officer, in their sole discretion, is satisfied that the site is appropriate for such containers.
• Certificate of insurance showing a liability limit of $2,000,000 and an indication that the premises is operating as a short-term rental accommodation
• A copy of an electrical general inspection dated within 5 years of the date of application. Please note this must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor
• A copy of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection report issued by an HVAC technician within the last year
• If you have a wood burning appliance on the property, a copy of a wood energy technical transfer (WETT) report dated within 5 years of the date of application. Please note that this report must be issued by a certified WETT inspector
• If you have a private septic system, a copy of a recent annual report from a licensed septic maintenance company that indicates the septic is in good working order
• If you have a private septic system, a copy of record(s) of any in-year septic tank pump outs
• If you have a private well or get your drinking water from another private drinking water system, provide a copy of the records of all water testing and test results from Niagara Region Public Health from within the last year. Please note these tests must be submitted to Niagara Region Public Health a minimum of three times per year going forward.
• Information about pre-existing bookings
  • If you have any bookings that were made before May 13, 2025, which may not comply with the renter or guest limits established in the new By-law, provide documented proof of each booking (e.g., time-stamped reservation confirmation or dated payment receipt). These bookings may be considered for a case-by-case review until May 13, 2026, at the discretion of the Licensing Officer
  • Please note: this accommodation only applies to honouring those specific pre-May 13, 2025 bookings; all other licensing, safety, and nuisance requirements remain in effect.
• Credit card to complete online payment 

What is a short-term rental?

A short-term rental is all or part of a dwelling unit (such as a house, cottage, mobile home, or park model trailer) that is rented for 28 days or less at a time, in exchange for payment.

Do I need a license to operate a short-term rental?

Yes. Anyone renting or advertising a short-term rental must have a valid license from the City. Advertising or renting without a license is not allowed.

Who can apply for a short-term rental license?

Applications are accepted from owners, or their delegates (agents). If a property is owned by a corporation, the directors and officers must authorize the application.

The City placed a strong emphasis on listening to residents and operators before finalizing the by-law. Beginning in May 2025, Port Colborne launched a comprehensive engagement campaign that included:

• Online and Paper Surveys – Hundreds of residents and property owners shared their thoughts on issues such as renter and guest limits, parking requirements, garbage management, and fire safety.
• Public Open Houses – Two sessions gave the community the chance to ask questions, speak directly with staff, and provide feedback on the proposed by-law.
• Direct Input from Operators – Short-term rental owners, including those at Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores, provided insight into the day-to-day realities of managing rentals.

How many renters can stay in my rental unit?

• Up to two renters per bedroom, with a maximum of 10 renters total.

• You may host up to two additional renters under 16 years old.

• Infants under 2 are not included in the count.

• In Vacation Residential zones (i.e. Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores), occupancy is set by the property operator

• One guest per bedroom, up to a maximum of five.

• Guests are not allowed to remain overnight — they must leave between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
• In Vacation Residential zones (i.e. Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores), occupancy is set by the property operator

What is the difference between renters and guests?

Yes, the license must be renewed annually. 

What needs to be included in the register of guests?

Every licensed operator must keep a register with:

• The property address and licence number.

• Confirmation that smoke/CO alarms were checked regularly.

• Names of all renters and guests, with check-in and check-out dates.

• Licence plate numbers for all vehicles on the property.

Every licensed short-term rental must meet strict safety standards, including:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas — tested weekly and kept in working order.

• Fire extinguishers (minimum 2A10BC) on each level, placed in visible, accessible spots (not locked in cupboards).

• A Fire Safety Plan posted at the unit, with exit routes and emergency instructions clearly marked.

• Emergency information (address, “call 9-1-1” instructions, Local Contact Person details) posted in a prominent place.

• Electrical, HVAC, septic/well, and chimney inspections kept up to date, if applicable.

• Parking, garbage storage, and site plan requirements followed exactly as approved in the licence.

These measures are required before a licence is issued and must be maintained at all times while operating.

Yes.

What rules are different for units within the Vacation Residential Zone (i.e. Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores?)

Some of the requirements under the by-law exempt units within the Vacation Residential Zone (i.e. Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores). These include: 

• Allowing park model trailers and mobile homes to be used for sleeping accommodations.
• Occupancy limits for renters and guests, and parking requirements will be set by the park operator, rather than prescribed by the by-law.
• Garbage management rules differ slightly, permitting the use of community commercial garbage containers.

Do I still need to get an electrical and HVAC inspection of my park model or mobile home?

Yes.

For emergencies call 9-1-1

For other serious concerns:

• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies
• Call 905-688-4111 for non-emergencies

To report a by-law infraction:

• Call 905-825-2900 Monday-Friday between 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• For afterhours help, press 9 for dispatch
• Email: bylawenforcement@portcolborne.ca 

Yes, but only if you follow the City’s Open Air Burning and Recreational Fires By-law. This means:

• Fires must be kept small, controlled, and supervised at all times.

• Only burn clean, dry wood.

• Have water or an extinguisher nearby.

• Be mindful of wind conditions and your neighbours.

• Never leave a fire unattended.

If fire restrictions are in place (such as during dry weather), campfires are not allowed. Always check the City’s rules before lighting a fire.

Consumer fireworks are permitted on approved dates (Victoria Day, Canada Day, July 4th). Fireworks handlers must be 18 years of age or older, respect safety precautions, and complete the show by 11 p.m. Please be respectful of your neighbours.