Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Short Term Rentals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sylvan Lake council bans short-term rentals in residential zones with new ordinance
Summary
On March 12, Sylvan Lake City Council adopted Ordinance 375, defining stays under 30 days as motel/hotel use and clarifying that short-term rentals (including Airbnb and VRBO) are not permitted in residentially zoned areas; the measure passed unanimously.
Sylvan Lake City Council on March 12 adopted Ordinance 375, clarifying that short-term rentals — including platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO — are not allowed in residentially zoned areas. The ordinance defines any rental period of less than 30 days as motel or hotel use, which the city’s residential zoning does not permit. The motion to approve Ordinance 375 was moved by Clarke, seconded by Buchanan, and passed unanimously (Buchanan, Clarke, Segal voting yes).
City Manager Martin told the council the amendment uses the familiar term “short-term rental” for clarity but does not create a new use class; it instead confirms the city will treat short-term stays as motel/hotel activity where applicable. “The city does not allow short-term rentals that include Airbnb, VRBO, or anything similar anywhere in the city that is residentially zoned,” Martin said, explaining the ordinance’s effect.
Council discussion focused on edge cases and enforcement. Councilmember Clarke asked whether the rule would apply to apartments across Orchard Lake Road; Martin said that property is zoned R3 and is permitted to rent by the month or for shorter terms under that zoning. Mayor Pro-Tem Segal raised the question of homes rented for an entire summer and asked council to consider seasonal rentals; Buchanan suggested extending the threshold from 30 days to 60 or 90 days. Martin said amenity tags are issued to residents who must prove residency, and staff typically address improper use when a complaint is filed.
The ordinance’s language makes the city’s existing enforcement authority explicit and authorizes the charge of fees tied to zoning review where applicable. The council did not adopt an alternative day threshold at the meeting; any change to the ordinance’s 30-day definition would require a separate proposal or amendment at a future meeting.
The ordinance is listed as ORD-003-25; the council voted to adopt it during the March 12 meeting. Next steps for implementation — such as enforcement procedures or fee schedules for permits tied to zoning review — were not specified during the discussion.
