---
title: Port Coquitlam short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)
question: "Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Port Coquitlam?"
place: Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/port-coquitlam
category: Housing and renting
owner: shared
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/short-term-rental/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/short-term-rental.json"
---

# Port Coquitlam short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)

**Question:** Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Port Coquitlam?

**Short answer:** Yes, but only in your principal residence, and only in the A and RS zones. In Port Coquitlam you need a City short-term rental business licence and a Provincial registration number. Rentals are under 90 consecutive days, up to two bedrooms and four guests. Provincial registration is $100 a year, or $450 for a separate unit.

**Who handles it:** More than one level of government  
**Cost:** Provincial registration $100 a year (your principal residence) or $450 (separate secondary unit). The City's licence fee is not stated; the Business Bylaw lists Accessory Home Business at $90 a year, so confirm with Business Licensing.  
**How long:** The City does not state a processing time. Licences run January 1 to December 31.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Business Licensing, City Hall Annex, 604-927-5238
- Email: Business Licensing, businesslicensing@portcoquitlam.ca
- Phone: Province of BC short-term rental registry (Service BC), 1-833-828-2240 (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- Email: Province of BC short-term rental registry, STRregistry@sbc.gov.bc.ca

## Key facts

- **Allowed:** Yes, only in the A (agricultural) and RS zones, as an accessory home business in the operator's principal residence (lived in at least 183 days a year). Up to two bedrooms without cooking facilities, a maximum of four guests per dwelling, no more than two dwelling units on the lot, and the dwelling's residential character unchanged.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 3630, Section III, s. 9.4 and Section I (Principal residence)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/3630%20-%20Zoning%20Bylaw%202008.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Short-term rental accommodation accessory home businesses are permitted in A and RS zones only, subject to the following regulations:" … "The business is restricted to the provision of up to two bedrooms without cooking facilities, providing accommodation to a maximum of four patrons per dwelling;" … "The person licensed to operate the business must occupy the dwelling unit as a principal residence." … "No short-term rental accommodation may be operated on a lot with more than two dwelling units." … "Principal residence means the dwelling unit in which an individual resides for a minimum of 183 days in a calendar year."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Business licence:** Yes. A short-term rental business licence is required (the City has a separate Short-Term Rental Accommodation Business Licence Application). The form says to contact Business Licensing for the fee. The Business Bylaw lists Accessory Home Business at $90 a year.
  - Source: [Business Licencing, Business Licencing page](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/doing-business/business-licencing)
  - Official wording: "All businesses, including temporary and home-based businesses, require a valid business licence to operate in Port Coquitlam."
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodation Business License Application (May 2024), Application form](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/media/file/business-licence-application-short-term-rental-accomodation)
  - Official wording: "SHORT-TERM RENTAL ACCOMODATION BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION" … "This application will not be processed without the application fee. Please contact the Business Licensing Division for applicable fees."
  - Source: [Business Bylaw 3725, Schedule A, Part 1](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/3725%20-%20Business%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Accessory Home Business For each business $90.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Provincial registration:** Yes. Hosts in B.C. must register with the Province and pay annual fees: $100 a year for the host's principal residence, $450 for a separate secondary unit such as a suite or cottage. Port Coquitlam is on the Province's list where the principal residence requirement applies. Unregistered listings are removed and bookings cancelled.
  - Source: [Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia, Provincial registry page](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry)
  - Official wording: "Short-term rental hosts, platforms and strata hotel platforms in B.C. must register and pay annual registration fees." … "Your listings will no longer be advertised," … "Your existing bookings will be cancelled"
  - Source: [Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia, Provincial principal residence requirement page](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement)
  - Official wording: "Fee: $100 annually" … "Fee: $450 annually" … "Port Alberni Port Coquitlam Port Moody"
  - Source: [New Provincial Housing Legislation, Bill 35 summary](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/housing/new-provincial-housing-legislation)
  - Official wording: "establishes a mandatory Provincial short-term rental accommodation registry that will require hosts and platforms to include a provincial registry number"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Operating rules:** Operator must live in the dwelling as a principal residence; up to two bedrooms (no cooking facilities) and four guests; one extra off-street parking space per rental bedroom (licence form: at least 5.5 m x 2.7 m); one non-resident employee allowed; provincial registry number required; licence copy must be posted on the premises.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 3630, Section III, s. 9.4](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/3630%20-%20Zoning%20Bylaw%202008.pdf)
  - Official wording: "One additional off-street parking space is required for each bedroom providing short-term rental accommodation." … "One additional employee may be engaged in the operation of the business and need not reside in the dwelling unit; and"
  - Source: [Short-Term Rental Accommodation Business License Application (May 2024), Application form](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/media/file/business-licence-application-short-term-rental-accomodation)
  - Official wording: "Off-street parking spaces (minimum 5.5m x 2.7m unobstructed)"
  - Source: [New Provincial Housing Legislation, Bill 35 summary](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/housing/new-provincial-housing-legislation)
  - Official wording: "establishes a mandatory Provincial short-term rental accommodation registry that will require hosts and platforms to include a provincial registry number"
  - Source: [Business Bylaw 3725, Business Bylaw s. 17](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/3725%20-%20Business%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Every Licencee shall keep the Licencee's copy of the Licence posted in a conspicuous" … "place on the premises in respect of which the Licence is issued."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** A $200 ticket ($140 if paid within 30 days, $275 after 90 days) is listed for 'Short-term rental not in principal residence', citing old Zoning section III (5-4)(f); the schedule gives no other STR tickets. Operating any business without a licence: $500 (no early discount; $500 if paid late). Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814, Schedule A.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814, Schedule A, Zoning Bylaw No. 3630](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/3814%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Short-term rental not III (5-4)(f) 200 140 275 N/A" … "No Business licence 3 (a) 500 N/A 500 50%"
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814, Schedule A, Business Bylaw No. 3725](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/3814%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No Business licence 3 (a) 500 N/A 500 50%"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw, 2008, No. 3630 (Section III, s. 9.4); Business Bylaw, 2010, No. 3725; provincial Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw 3630, Title page](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/3630%20-%20Zoning%20Bylaw%202008.pdf)
  - Official wording: "ZONING BYLAW, 2008 Bylaw No. 3630"
  - Source: [Business Bylaw 3725, s. 1](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/3725%20-%20Business%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Business Bylaw, 2010, No. 3725"
  - Source: [New Provincial Housing Legislation, Bill 35 summary](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/housing/new-provincial-housing-legislation)
  - Official wording: "Bill 35 – Short Term Rental Accommodations Act"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under [Zoning Bylaw 3630](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/3630%20-%20Zoning%20Bylaw%202008.pdf), short-term rental is the use of a principal residence for rooming accommodation for less than 90 consecutive days. It is allowed only in the A (agricultural) and RS zones, as an accessory home business in the home you live in at least 183 days a year. The rules: up to two bedrooms without cooking facilities, a maximum of four guests per dwelling, no more than two dwelling units on the lot, and no change to the home's residential character.

The City's housing legislation page describes the provincial rule allowing the principal residence plus one suite or ADU, but the zoning rule is stricter. Follow the zoning rule.

## Steps

1. Confirm the home is your principal residence and the zone allows it (PoCoMAP).
2. Complete the City's Short-Term Rental Accommodation Business License Application with a floor plan, parking proof and listing details. Email it to Business Licensing or bring it to the City Hall Annex, and ask for the fee.
3. Register with the Province to get a registration number for your listing. Port Coquitlam is on the Province's list where the principal residence requirement applies.

## Good to know

- Provide one extra off-street parking space per rental bedroom. One non-resident employee is allowed. Post a copy of your licence on the premises.
- Boarders are not permitted in dwelling units used for short-term rental.
- Unregistered listings are removed and bookings cancelled.
- Fines: operating any business without a licence is $500. A ticket of $200 ($140 if paid within 30 days, $275 after 90 days) is listed for short-term rental not in a principal residence.

## What you'll need

- Floor plan showing the rented bedroom(s) and off-street parking (5.5 m by 2.7 m)
- Listing title, photos and description (link or PDF)
- Proof of principal residence (lived in at least 183 days a year)

## Official forms and pages

- [Short-Term Rental Accommodation Business License Application (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/media/file/business-licence-application-short-term-rental-accomodation)
- [Business Licencing](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/doing-business/business-licencing)
- [BC short-term rental registration](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry)
- [BC principal residence requirement](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement)

## Related questions

- [Port Coquitlam business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/business-licence.md)
- [Port Coquitlam home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/home-based-business.md)
- [Port Coquitlam secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/secondary-suite.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Short-term rental rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/short-term-rental.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/short-term-rental.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/short-term-rental.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/short-term-rental.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/short-term-rental.md)
- [Anmore](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/short-term-rental.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/short-term-rental.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw 3630 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/3630%20-%20Zoning%20Bylaw%202008.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Bylaw 3725 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/3725%20-%20Business%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/3814%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Licencing, City of Port Coquitlam](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/doing-business/business-licencing) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Short-Term Rental Accommodation Business License Application (May 2024), City of Port Coquitlam](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/media/file/business-licence-application-short-term-rental-accomodation) (read 2026-11-05)
- [New Provincial Housing Legislation, City of Port Coquitlam](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/housing/new-provincial-housing-legislation) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Short-term rental principal residence requirement, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Short-term rental registration, Province of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/registry) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/short-term-rental/_