Huntsville caps short-term rentals

The by-law also includes other new restrictions

Huntsville Council approved a cap for number of short-term rentals (STRs) in the Town, in the May 28, 2025, General Committee meeting.

Staff recommended they cap the number of STRs that can be licenced at 250, which is 10 more than they’ve registered over the past couple of years, which “allows for small growth,” said Chief Building Official, Chris Nagy.

He added that licences will be issued “on a first come first serve basis.” After this applications can go to the Town’s Appeal Committee for the opportunity to “plead the case.” If they get a lot of appeals the Town can consider changing the By-law.

He added that that capping the number of licences issued is a practice staff is seeing with other municipalities.

The change is in addition to other amendments made to the STR By-law, which were considered because of inquiries, said Nagy.

Other changes to the By-law include:

• Adding floating accommodations as “Dwelling Units” to the restricted section of the By-law
• Restricting the Licensee from advertising “ability to discuss the number of occupants on any marketing platform.”
• Prohibiting STR operations until ownership of 12 months, to encourage owners “to be part of the community or use the property for long-term rentals to help support housing initiatives.”
• The Town will record strikes for 2 years (versus 1), and revoke licences after 3 strikes (versus 2) that have been accumulated within the 2 years.

Nagy advised that non-compliance to the Town’s By-law can lead to Administration Monetary Penalty (AMP) enforcement.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, supported the changes and inquired about the community strategy that will be implemented to the public.

Nagy advised that staff will circulate the changes directly to STR hosts through emails and post them on the Town’s STR webpage.

Councillor, Scott Morrison, suggested considering the cumulative total of ‘habitual offenders” of negative actions so they “can get them out.”

Nagy advised there are different challenges dealing with STR renters versus owners; however, they can reconsider it.

He added that the amended By-law will take effect immediately now that it has been adopted by Council.