Sylvan Lake

• Yes, all short-term accommodation rentals must have a license to make sure they meet safety and quality standards
• The online application system is quick and easy
• Before starting your application review the Good Host Guide. The guidebook helps you prepare the information and documents you need to apply

High application volumes are causing approval timelines to vary. However, you can greatly reduce the application processing time by carefully filling out your application.

Timelines:

• 12 or more weeks: Inaccurate and incomplete applications take longer to process.
• 1 - 2 weeks: Applications that are filled out completely, correctly, and with easy to read attachments

Common reasons for denied applications

This is not a complete list, but these are the most common reasons applications are not approved. We cannot make exceptions for these requirements, so please carefully review them. 

1. Apply as a person: Businesses may not apply to run a STAR. This is to protect Sylvan Lake's rental and housing market from commercialization of residential homes. Only the owner of the home may apply
2. Parking requirements: Make sure your property meets parking requirements before applying. Check the Good Host Guide for details
3. Portions of homes: If you do not have a secondary suite, and are offering just a portion of the home, the rented portion must continue to have access to the full home. You cannot lock doors or build walls to exclude the rented area
4. Multiple owners or homeowner association: If you have multiple owners of the home, or if your property falls under a condo board or homeowner association, you must have written permission from each owner or involved organization

Think you have met these requirements? Awesome! We suggest you apply now, here's an application checklist.

If you haven't met these requirements, it's likely your property won't qualify for a STAR, but you may discuss it with Business Licensing, 403 887 2141.

Make sure you have all the below before applying online:

1. Permission of all property owners
2. Condo board approval if applicable
3. Home safety and evacuation floor plan
4. Sleeping plan
5. Parking plan (include the location, type of surfacing and size of each parking stall)
6. Photos
7. Title certificate (within 30 days) or purchase and sale agreement

The Good Host Guide booklet guides you through the bylaw requirements in an easy-to-read format, including:

• Is your property eligible for a STAR
• What you need for the STAR application
• Property requirements
• Occupancy
• Parking
• Planning for safe stays
• Frequently asked questions
• Good host are good neighbours
• Property and Community Guidelines
• Non-compliance points
• Find amazing guests
• Tips for successful hosting

*You must give a copy of the Good Guest Guide to all rental guests.

You must give a copy of the Good Guest Guide to all rental guests.

The Good Guest Guide explains what a guest should expect from their host and some great information about Sylvan Lake:

• What to look for in your STAR
• Good guests are good neighbours
• Make the most of your stay
• Prepare to unwind

Application fee: 

• $250

License fees:

• Occupancy of 1 to 3 bedrooms: $300
• Occupancy of 4 or more bedrooms: $450

License Renewal Annual fees:

• Occupancy of 1 to 3 bedrooms: $300
• Occupancy of 4 or more bedrooms: $450

Appeal Fee

• $250

STARs have a major impact on both safety and housing affordability. The Town of Sylvan Lake takes these concerns seriously. 

Non-compliance with the STARs bylaw can result in fines:

• Engaging in or operating a Short-Term Accommodation Rental: $2,500
• Marketing a short-term accommodation rental without a valid license: $500
• Breach of condition of a short-term accommodation rental licensing: $1,000
• For a full list of fines, see page 17 of the Short-Term Accommodation Rentals Bylaw

The Town has been regulating short term accommodation rentals since 2004, called tourism homes. In 2022, tourist homes were removed from the land use bylaw, and a new bylaw was created for Short-Term Accommodation Rentals. The new STAR Bylaw replaces Tourist Home Regulations in the Land Use Bylaw and Business Licensing Bylaw.

The STAR bylaw was created to:

• Address lodging shortages and contribute to the local economy
• Make sure all STARs meet safety and quality standards
• Help and guide STARs business owners
• Make the application process easier
• Allow secondary suites and garage suites as STARs
• Clarify regulations
• Safeguard adjacent property owners
• Set STARs owners up for success
• Streamline the application process and shorten the application time