{"title":"Port Hardy short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","question":"Can I rent out my home or a room on Airbnb in Port Hardy?","slug":"short-term-rental","place":{"path":"ca/bc/port-hardy","name":"Port Hardy","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":"Yes, in Port Hardy short-term rentals are allowed in the R-1, R-1s, R-2, R-3, RM-1, RR-1 and CD-11 zones, one per parcel and per owner. You need a District business licence ($120 a year if you live on site, $325 if not), a fire and safety inspection, and registration with the Province.","aliases":["airbnb port hardy","short term rental port hardy","vacation rental licence port hardy","rent my home port hardy"],"cost":"District business licence $120 a year if living on site, $325 if not (2026); inspection fee $83. Provincial registration $100 a year for a principal residence unit, $450 for a secondary unit.","how_long":"Not stated in the sources read.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"District Office","value":"250-949-6665"},{"type":"in_person","label":"District of Port Hardy Municipal Hall","value":"7360 Columbia St., Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays)"},{"type":"online","label":"Short-Term Rental Registry (Province)","value":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Accommodation Rentals Regulations, District of Port Hardy","url":"https://porthardy.ca/community/bylaws/accommodation-rentals/"},{"title":"B&B and Short-Term Vacation Rental Guide and Operator Checklist (PDF), District of Port Hardy","url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BB-STVR-Guide-Operator-Checklist.pdf"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, consolidated December 2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"business-licence","title":"Port Hardy business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-hardy/business-licence/"},{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Port Hardy home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-hardy/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Port Hardy secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-hardy/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/port-mcneill","name":"Port McNeill","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-mcneill/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alice","name":"Port Alice","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alice/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tahsis","name":"Tahsis","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tahsis/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/sayward","name":"Sayward","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sayward/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/gold-river","name":"Gold River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gold-river/short-term-rental/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/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":"Yes, as an accessory use in the R-1, R-1s, R-2, R-3, RM-1 and RR-1 zones (and CD-11), under s. 3.14: one short-term rental per parcel and per registered owner; not in apartment buildings with a common entrance; mobile home parks and stratas need written owner or strata approval; not together with a B&B. Rentals under 90 consecutive days count. Port Hardy is on the Province's list of communities exempt from the provincial principal residence requirement.","short":"Yes, accessory use in listed zones, one per parcel","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, consolidated December 2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"s. 3.14 (Bylaw 1181-2025)","quotes":["A maximum of one (1) Short-Term Vacation Rental may be permitted per legal property parcel,","A maximum of one (1) Short-Term Vacation Rental shall be permitted per registered owner of real","Short-Term Vacation Rentals are not permitted in apartment buildings where dwelling units share a","for periods of less than 90 consecutive days or as defined by Provincial"]},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, consolidated December 2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"s. 6.1 R-1","quotes":["Short Term Vacation Rental (see section 3.14)"]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"Short-term rentals: principal residence requirement, Province of BC","section":"List of exempt communities","quotes":["Communities exempt from the provincial principal residence requirement:","Port Edward Port Hardy Port McNeill"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"The District's Sept 2026 B&B-STVR Guide (dated January 2025) defines a short-term rental as less than 31 consecutive days; the Zoning Bylaw (less than 90 days or as defined by provincial legislation) is followed. The Zoning Bylaw's s. 3.14 sets no principal-residence requirement (searched 'principal residence', 'reside'); the 2026 fee schedule has a lower fee for hosts living on site. Allowed in zones listed: R-1, R-1s, R-2, R-3, RM-1, RR-1, CD-11. The Province's page lists Port Hardy as exempt from the principal residence requirement (saved page, lists as of June 1, 2026)."},"licence":{"label":"Business licence","value":"Yes. A District business licence is required before operating and renewed annually; a fire and safety inspection is required for a new licence. 2026 fee: $120 a year if living on site, $325 if not. Inspection fee $83.","short":"Yes, $120 a year on site, $325 if not","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/community/bylaws/accommodation-rentals/","title":"Accommodation Rentals Regulations, District of Port Hardy","section":"Accommodation Rentals Regulations page","quotes":["A valid District of Port Hardy Business License must be obtained prior to operating an STVR or B&B within Port Hardy.","Fire and safety inspections are required prior to the issuance of a new license."]},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1187-2026-User-Rates-and-Fees-for-2026.pdf","title":"User Rates and Fees Bylaw No. 1187-2026 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"Schedule F and Schedule I s. 1(l)","quotes":["Short Term Vacation Rentals (living on site) $120.00","Short Term Vacation Rentals (not living on site) $325.00","The fee for inspection of a Bed & Breakfast operation or Short Term Rental $83.00"]},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BB-STVR-Guide-Operator-Checklist.pdf","title":"B&B and Short-Term Vacation Rental Guide and Operator Checklist (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"B&B-STVR Guide, Business Licencing","quotes":["Rates will not be pro-rated."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"provincial_registration":{"label":"Provincial registration","value":"Yes. The District says to register your short-term rental with the Province. The Province issues a registration number for each rental unit; fees are $100 a year for the host's principal residence unit and $450 a year for a secondary unit. Operators must also collect PST (8%) and MRDT (3%).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/community/bylaws/accommodation-rentals/","title":"Accommodation Rentals Regulations, District of Port Hardy","section":"Accommodation Rentals Regulations page","quotes":["In addition to registering your short-term rental with the province","PST is collected at 8% and MRDT at 3%"]},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"Short-term rentals: principal residence requirement, Province of BC","section":"Registration fees","quotes":["Each short-term rental unit requires its own registration number.","Fee: $100 annually","Fee: $450 annually"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"rules":{"label":"Operating rules","value":"One rental per parcel and per owner; must meet BC Building, Fire and Plumbing Codes; no change to the home's residential character; no extra signage beyond a home-based business sign; off-street parking as for the dwelling; licence displayed visibly from the street; must not be advertised without a valid licence; owner must prevent nuisance.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, consolidated December 2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"s. 3.14(e)-(i)","quotes":["A short term vacation rental shall not alter the residential character and appearance of the single","No additional or freestanding signage beyond what is permitted for a Home-Based Business shall be","Off-street parking shall be provided in conjunction with the requirements for residential dwelling units"]},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BB-STVR-Guide-Operator-Checklist.pdf","title":"B&B and Short-Term Vacation Rental Guide and Operator Checklist (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"B&B-STVR Guide, Business Licencing","quotes":["must not be advertised or operated without a","The business licence shall be displayed in a visible location from the street.","The property owner must ensure that the occupants do not create any form of nuisance"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket $100 for failing to obtain a business licence. The 2014 ticket schedule has no line for short-term rental rules. Zoning Bylaw offences carry up to $10,000 on conviction unless a ticket amount is set.","short":"Ticket $100","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/01-2010_mti_consolidated_august_2014.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 01-2010, consolidated August 2014 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"Schedule F, s. 6(a)(i)","quotes":["Business Licence Bylaw No. 16-2006","Failure to obtain business licence $ 100.00"]},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, consolidated December 2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"s. 2.6","quotes":["Every person who commits an offence under this Bylaw is liable on summary conviction to a fine not"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, s. 3.14 (amended by Bylaw 1181-2025); Business Licence Bylaw No. 16-2006; User Rates and Fees Bylaw No. 1187-2026, Schedule F.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, consolidated December 2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"s. 3.14","quotes":["SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL","BYLAW 1181-2025 Short Term Vacation Rentals amended"]},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/52f7ad7f-731b-48e7-94fe-1b2e8e14f05016-2006_business_license_1.pdf","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 16-2006 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This bylaw may be cited as the \"Business Licence Bylaw No. 16-2006.\""]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe [Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013](https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf), s. 3.14 (as amended by Bylaw 1181-2025), allows a short-term rental as an accessory use in the R-1, R-1s, R-2, R-3, RM-1 and RR-1 zones, and in CD-11. Rentals under 90 consecutive days count. The rules:\n\n- One short-term rental per parcel and per registered owner, and not together with a bed and breakfast.\n- Not in apartment buildings with a common entrance. Mobile home parks and stratas need written owner or strata approval.\n- Must meet the BC Building, Fire and Plumbing Codes, with no change to the home's residential character.\n- Off-street parking as for the dwelling; no extra signage beyond a home-based business sign.\n- The licence must be visible from the street, and the rental must not be advertised without a valid licence. The owner must prevent nuisance.\n\nPort Hardy is on the Province's list of communities exempt from the provincial principal residence requirement. The bylaw sets no principal-residence rule.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Confirm your zone (see the zoning-lookup answer).\n2. Get a District business licence before operating, renewed annually. See the [Accommodation Rentals Regulations page](https://porthardy.ca/community/bylaws/accommodation-rentals/) and the [District guide](https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BB-STVR-Guide-Operator-Checklist.pdf). The 2026 fee is $120 a year if you live on site and $325 if not; the fire and safety inspection is $83. Renovations needed for the licence require a building permit and inspection first.\n3. Register with the Province. It issues a number for each rental unit: $100 a year for a principal residence unit and $450 a year for a secondary unit. Operators must also collect PST (8%) and MRDT (3%).\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Per the guide, you must post a floor plan and \"Call 9-1-1\" notices.\n- The guide defines a short-term rental as under 31 consecutive days; the bylaw says under 90 consecutive days or as provincial law defines. The bylaw is followed here; confirm with the District.\n- The guide says licences are not pro-rated, but the Business Licence Bylaw sets half the annual fee for businesses liable after June 30. Ask the District.\n- No limit on guests or bedrooms was found for short-term rentals. Bed and breakfasts are limited to three guest rooms and six guests.\n- A municipal ticket is $100 for operating without a business licence. The 2014 ticket schedule has no line for short-term rental rules, and zoning offences carry up to $10,000 on conviction.","sources":[{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/1010-2013-Zoning-Bylaw-Consolidated-December-2025.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1010-2013, consolidated December 2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/community/bylaws/accommodation-rentals/","title":"Accommodation Rentals Regulations, District of Port Hardy","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1187-2026-User-Rates-and-Fees-for-2026.pdf","title":"User Rates and Fees Bylaw No. 1187-2026 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BB-STVR-Guide-Operator-Checklist.pdf","title":"B&B and Short-Term Vacation Rental Guide and Operator Checklist (PDF), District of Port Hardy","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/short-term-rentals/principal-residence-requirement","title":"Short-term rentals: principal residence requirement, Province of BC","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/52f7ad7f-731b-48e7-94fe-1b2e8e14f05016-2006_business_license_1.pdf","title":"Business Licence Bylaw No. 16-2006 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://porthardy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/01-2010_mti_consolidated_august_2014.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 01-2010, consolidated August 2014 (PDF), District of Port Hardy","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","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/port-hardy/short-term-rental/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-hardy/short-term-rental.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-hardy/short-term-rental.json"}}