Short-Term Rental Investor Guide: Sun Valley, Saskatchewan (Resort Village)

Overview: Short-Term Rentals (STRs) - Allowed with Specific Conditions

Short-term rentals, operating as "Tourist Homes," are allowed in Sun Valley, SK, but are subject to specific zoning, permitting, and regulatory requirements. They are not a permitted use by right in all residential districts and typically require Discretionary Use approval from Council.

I. Starting a Short-Term Rental (STR) Business

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Consult the Zoning Bylaw (particularly Sections 6 & 7) and the Zoning Map (Appendix A) for your property. Tourist Homes are most likely to be considered in Residential Districts (R1, R1L, RR).
2. Determine Permitting Path: Tourist Homes are likely Discretionary Uses in residential zones (see Section 6.9 for Bed & Breakfast context). Verify if your intended operation fits the definition of "Tourist Home" (Section 2).
3. Discretionary Use Application (If Required):
   • Prepare and submit a Development Permit Application specifically seeking Discretionary Use approval for the STR.
   • Public Notification: The Development Officer must advertise the application (Section 3.9.2):
     • Post a notice at the property entrance.
     • Mail notices to assessed owners of abutting properties and those within 75.0 meters.
     • Publish a notice (costs borne by applicant).
4. Concurrent Applications: Be prepared for concurrent processing (Section 3.11):
   • Development Permit: Must be issued before or concurrently with a Building Permit.
   • Building Permit: Likely required for any significant structural changes, additions, or renovations to accommodate the STR.
   • Business License: Check with the Resort Village office regarding any specific business license requirements. This document references business licenses but doesn't define their specific STR terms.
5. Compliance: Ensure full compliance with all Zoning Bylaw provisions (parking, setbacks, etc.) and other applicable municipal, provincial, and federal regulations.
6. Operational Plan: Council may impose conditions specific to your operation.

II. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

1. Development Permit Application:
   • Completed application form (referenced in Section 3.3.1, Appendix A & C).
   • Detailed site plan showing existing and proposed structures, parking, access.
   • Floor plans for the STR operation.
   • Proposed use description (operating as a Tourist Home).
   • Any other information requested by the Development Officer or Council (per Section 3.5.1.2).
2. Building Permit (Potentially Required):
   • Issued under the Resort Village's Building Bylaw (referenced in Section 2 definition).
   • Required if structural work, significant renovations, or new construction is planned.
   • Must be applied for after Development Permit approval (or concurrently).
3. Business License (Potentially Required):
   • Contact the Resort Village office directly to inquire if a specific business license is required for operating a Tourist Home/STR. The Zoning Bylaw references business licenses and concurrent processing (Section 3.11), but does not detail a specific STR license.
4. Compliance with Provincial Regulations:
   • The definition of "Tourist Home" references The Tourist Accommodation Regulations, 1969 (Section 2). You must ensure full compliance with these provincial regulations. Familiarize yourself with their requirements.

III. Specific Regulations (Sun Valley Resort Village, SK)

1. Zoning Districts:
   • STRs (Tourist Homes) are primarily a consideration within Residential Districts (R1, R1L, RR). Use the Zoning Map (Appendix A) to determine your property's designation.
   • Review the specific regulations for your district (Sections 7, 8, 9).
2. Discretionary Use Process (Section 3.5.1):
   • Council has the discretion to approve or deny a Tourist Home application.
   • Council may refer applications to government agencies or require professional reviews (costs borne by applicant).
   • Public notification (Section 3.9.2) and hearing are mandatory for discretionary uses.
   • Approval requires a Council resolution (Section 3.5.1.3).
   • A Development Permit is issued only after approval and includes specific terms/conditions set by Council.
3. Development Standards (Section 4 - General Regulations):
   • Parking: Specific requirements may apply (see Section 6.4 for Residential Districts).
   • Setbacks: Must comply with the zoning district's setback requirements (Section 4.7 lists permitted encroachments).
   • Building Height: Must comply with district requirements (Section 4.8).
   • Dwelling Unit Definition: Ensure the STR contains the necessary facilities (sleeping, cooking, toilet) per the definition (Section 2).
   • Principal Use: The STR must be established as the principal use of the site if it's operating from a dwelling unit (Section 4.2). (Note: This point requires interpretation based on the context of a single dwelling hosting STR guests).
4. Prohibited/Noxious Uses (Section 4.16):
   • Operations must not create nuisances (noise, vibration, light, odour, unsightliness).
5. Permit Validity & Compliance (Section 3.7, 3.16):
   • Development Permits are valid for 12 months (Section 3.7.1).
   • Permits can be suspended/revoked if development doesn't comply with conditions (Section 3.7.2).
   • Development must cease if a permit becomes invalid (Section 3.16).
6. Appeals (Section 3.13.2):
   • Decisions can be appealed to the Development Appeals Board per the Planning and Development Act, 2007.

IV. State/Province-Level Regulations (Saskatchewan)

• The Planning and Development Act, 2007 (Saskatchewan): Governs the development permit process, discretionary uses, appeals, and zoning framework. (Source: Multiple sections, especially Sections 3, 3.5.1, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16, 3.26, 3.27)
• The Tourist Accommodation Regulations, 1969 (Saskatchewan): Establishes provincial standards for tourist homes/short-term accommodations. Compliance is mandatory. (Source: Section 2 Definition of "Tourist Home")
• The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act (UBAS Act): Under which the Resort Village's Building Bylaw is authorized. (Source: Section 2 Definition of "Building Bylaw")
• The Building Bylaw (Resort Village of Sun Valley): Authorizes building permits and ensures compliance with building codes. (Source: Section 2 Definition of "Building Bylaw")
• The Public Health Act and Regulations: May apply to STRs regarding sanitation and safety. (Source: Section 3.12)

V. Contact Information for Local Authority

Resort Village of Sun Valley (Saskatchewan)

• Development Officer: The primary contact for Development Permit applications and zoning inquiries.
  • Contact Details: Not provided in the document. You must contact the Resort Village office directly for current contact information (phone, email, website).
  • Office Location: Not specified in the document. Check with the Resort Village office.

Note: The document states the Development Officer is appointed by Council (Section 3.1.1) and administers the Bylaw. The Administrator is also mentioned (Section 2).

VI. Key Source Links (from provided documents)

• Primary Zoning Regulation Document: https://www.rvsunvalley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Sun-Valley-Zoning-Bylaw-4-2017.pdf

Disclaimer: This analysis is based solely on the provided document content. Always verify current regulations and procedures directly with the Resort Village of Sun Valley, Saskatchewan. Zoning and bylaws can be amended.