Short-Term Rentals in Radium Hot Springs
The Village of Radium Hot Springs regulates short-term vacation rentals (STRs) to help balance tourism needs with long-term housing availability. The Village’s updated Official Community Plan directs STRs primarily toward commercial and tourism areas while prioritizing long-term housing in residential neighbourhoods. These changes reflect a “Made in Radium” approach intended to preserve housing supply for residents and workers while supporting our tourism economy.
Understanding Short-Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rentals are an important part of the tourism economy in Radium Hot Springs, but they can also impact the availability of housing for full-time residents. The Village’s approach aims to support both tourism and long-term housing by directing different types of STRs to appropriate areas.
What is a Short-Term Rental?
A short-term rental is a commercial use of a residential property or portion of a residential property, operating with an STR business license, and rented to guests for stays of less than 90 consecutive days.
Two Types of Short-Term Rentals
Radium Hot Springs regulations distinguish between two types of short-term rentals:
STR-Major (Stand-Alone Rentals)
Stand-alone rental units encompass an entire residential property (single family dwelling, townhome, or condo unit, for example). STR-Majors are directed toward tourism and commercial areas, rather than in long-term residential neighbourhoods.
Where STR-Majors are Permitted:
- Commercial areas (C1, C2, and C3 zones)
- Tourist areas (RTA zone and Ridgeview Resort residential area)
- Specific areas designated in the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw
STR-Minor (Resident-Occupied Rentals)
Short-term rental units which are a secondary use in an accessory dwelling unit (e.g. a basement or garden suite). STR-Minors are allowed in the C1, C2, and C3 zones; all residential zones; and the agricultural zone if they meet the requirements below.
Requirements for STR-Minor:
- The property owner (or a full-time long-term renter) must live on the property as their principal residence
- Must provide proof of principal residency
- Not permitted in any Residential Building (3-Units) or larger
For Existing STR-Minor Properties Operating Outside Permitted Areas
The Village recognizes that many property owners made investment decisions based on previous regulations. To provide stability during this transition:
- Properties with an existing approved STR business license as of the OCP adoption date may continue to operate
- These properties may continue to renew their annual business license until October 15, 2032
- This provides a near seven-year transition period
Important limitation:
If a property with an existing STR-Major operating outside permitted areas is sold before October 15, 2032, the new owners will be unable to renew the existing business license. The STR-Major cannot transfer to new ownership.
STR-Major Permitted Areas
New mapping defines areas where two types of STRs are permitted to operate. No new STR-Major will be approved outside of the permitted areas designated in the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.
Business Licensing Requirements
All short-term rentals in Radium Hot Springs must obtain an annual business license from the Village. To learn more, visit our business licensing page: https://radiumhotsprings.ca/village-business/business-licensing/
Review the Full Policy
Need More Information?
Contact the Village Office:
- Phone: 250-347-6455
- Email: village@radiumhotsprings.ca
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
