{"title":"Fort St. John short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","question":"Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Fort St. John?","slug":"short-term-rental","place":{"path":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"housing-and-renting","name":"Housing and renting"},"owner":"shared","owner_label":"More than one level of government","owner_body":null,"short_answer":"Fort St. John is exempt from the Province's principal-residence requirement, but hosts must still register with the Province. The Zoning Bylaw never names short-term rentals; it bans \"commercial temporary accommodation\" in residential zones, which probably covers them (our inference). Ask the City before you list.","aliases":["airbnb fort st john","vrbo fort st john","short term rental bylaw fort st john","bed and breakfast fort st john","rent a room fort st john"],"cost":"Provincial registration is $100 a year for a host's principal residence and $450 for a secondary unit on the property. A bed and breakfast pays a City business licence fee; see below.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"online","label":"Provincial short-term rental registry","value":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry"},{"type":"email","label":"Business licences","value":"businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Development Services (zoning)","value":"250-787-8150"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Short-term rentals, Province of B.C.","url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals"},{"title":"Business Licences, City of Fort St. John","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/business-and-economic-development/business-licences"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 2470, 2019 (PDF)","url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Fort St. John home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Fort St. John business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/business-licence/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Fort St. John secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hudsons-hope","name":"Hudson's Hope","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hudsons-hope/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/short-term-rental/"}],"topic":{"title":"Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental/"},"facts":{"allowed":{"label":"Allowed","value":"The provincial principal residence requirement does not apply in Fort St. John (Province lists it as exempt). Zoning prohibits 'commercial temporary accommodation' (stays of 30 days or less) in residential zones (s. 4.2.6); it does not name short-term rentals. Owner-occupied bed and breakfasts are allowed where a zone lists them.","short":"No in residential zones (30 days or less); B&B allowed","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","section":"Overview","quotes":["B.C. has a provincial principal residence requirement in some areas of the province which limits short-term rentals to:","Plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit on the same property","Fort St. John","Municipalities exempt from the principal residence requirement"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.2.6","quotes":["Commercial temporary accommodation is prohibited in residential zones."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 3.0 definition","quotes":["COMMERCIAL TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION means accommodation for the travelling public for a period","not exceeding 30 continuous days or 30 days in a calendar year."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"A bed and breakfast must hold a valid City business licence (Business Licence Bylaw s. 7.1). The fee schedule has no B&B line: regular $150, home occupation (business) $125; the bylaw does not say which applies to a B&B.","short":"Yes; $150 regular or $125 home occupation","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.1","quotes":["Bed and Breakfasts shall be permitted in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw and all","persons operating a Bed and Breakfast must comply with the regulations in the Zoning","must obtain and hold a valid and subsisting business licence."]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Table 1.0 Licence Type Fees Regular Business Licence $150.00 Home Occupations - Business and Office $125.00 Mobile Vendor $125.00"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 3.0 definition of Home Occupation - Business","quotes":["occupation – business includes a bed"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"provincial_registration":{"label":"Provincial registration","value":"Yes. Hosts offering stays of fewer than 90 consecutive days must register with the Province and renew each year. Fee $100 a year for the host's principal residence, $450 for a secondary unit on the property.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry","title":"Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia","section":"Registration overview","quotes":["Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees.","you must renew it each year to continue operating."]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","section":"Registration fees","quotes":["Fee: $100 annually","Fee: $450 annually","Provincial registration requirements apply to short-term rentals offered for fewer than 90 consecutive days, regardless of whether a local business licence is required."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"rules":{"label":"Operating rules","value":"Bed and breakfast rules (Zoning s. 4.23): owner must occupy the single-detached dwelling, up to 3 guest rooms, one extra off-street parking space per guest bedroom, no guest stay over 30 consecutive days, and a City business licence.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.23.1","quotes":["The principal single-detached dwelling unit on the parcel containing the bed and","The maximum of three (3) guest rooms shall be permitted in a bed and breakfast;","One additional off-street parking space must be provided for each bedroom used for","The maximum length of stay for any guest may not exceed 30 consecutive days."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for operating a business without a licence: $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). Zoning Schedule B lists 'Unlawful land use' (includes s. 4.2) at $100 per offence per day; it has no row for the s. 4.23 bed and breakfast rules.","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["Days) (1-14 Days) (31-60 Days (50% of Collections Penalty) 60+) Operating a Business 5.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes without a Licence Business Licence not","Collections Penalty) 60+) Operating a Business 5.1 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 Yes without a Licence Business Licence not 5.10 $100.00 $50.00 $150.00 Yes"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"Schedule B","quotes":["14.2, 15.2, 16.2, 17.2, 18.2, 19.2, 20.2, Unlawful land use 21.2, 22.2, 23.2, 24.2, 25.2, 26.2, 27.2, $100.00/offence/day 28.2, 29.2, 30.7.2, 30.8.2, 30.9.2,","infringement 4.2, 7.2, 8.2, 9.2, 10.2, 11.2, 12.2, 13.2, 14.2, 15.2, 16.2, 17.2, 18.2, 19.2, 20.2,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (s. 4.2 and 4.23); Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (s. 7.1); Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (B.C.)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","section":"s. 4.23","quotes":["4.23 Bed and Breakfasts"]},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.1","quotes":["SECTION 7 - SPECIAL BUSINESS LICENCE REQUIREMENTS Bed and Breakfast 7.1 Bed and Breakfasts shall be permitted in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw and all","CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN BYLAW NO. 2563, 2021 BUSINESS LICENCE BYLAW"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThree layers apply. The Province's principal residence requirement does not apply in Fort St. John, because the Province lists it as exempt. The Province still requires registration for stays of fewer than 90 consecutive days. The City's [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw) prohibits \"commercial temporary accommodation\" (stays of 30 days or less) in residential zones (s. 4.2.6). It does not name short-term rentals, so applying that ban to them is our inference; ask Development Services (250-787-8150) whether it covers yours.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Ask Development Services whether your zone and your type of rental are allowed.\n2. If you plan an owner-occupied bed and breakfast, check that your zone lists it, and apply for a City business licence.\n3. Register with the Province's short-term rental registry and renew each year.\n4. Keep your City business licence posted in a visible location.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Provincial registration is required of hosts offering stays of fewer than 90 consecutive days. The fee is $100 a year for the host's principal residence and $450 for a secondary unit on the property. Without it, listings are removed and bookings cancelled.\n- A bed and breakfast is a Home Occupation – Business under the Zoning Bylaw ($125 licence). The [Business Licence Bylaw](https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw) (s. 7.1) requires a licence, but its fee schedule has no B&B line (regular $150, home occupation $125).\n- Bed and breakfast rules (Zoning s. 4.23): the owner must live in the single-detached dwelling, up to 3 guest rooms, one extra off-street parking space per guest bedroom, and no guest stay over 30 consecutive days.\n- Operating without a business licence: a bylaw notice is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 if paid late). The Zoning Bylaw lists \"unlawful land use\" at $100 per offence per day. No fine specific to short-term rentals was found.\n- The City's pages do not say whether a licence number must be posted in a listing, or whether a local contact is needed.\n- The Province's exempt list can change; check its page.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/business-building-and-development/building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits (Planning and Engineering phone), City of Fort St. John","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"B.C.'s short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry","title":"Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/zoning-bylaw","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 (PDF, consolidated)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.fortstjohn.ca/media/file/business-licence-bylaw","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 2563, 2021 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/short-term-rental/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/short-term-rental.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/short-term-rental.json"}}