Regulating short-term rental (STR) accommodations is up for Sarnia council debate again Monday.
It's recommended rentals only be operated by the principle resident of the dwelling if it's located in a residential zone.
Mayor Mike Bradley said staff are also recommending operators be given until June 30 to register their rental to start paying a municipal accommodation tax.
"One can make the case Sarnia council certainly has over consulted on this issue," said Bradley. "There was a council meeting, then there was a staff meeting with people who were interested in the topic and now there's a third meeting and that is to make some decisions on it. From my point of view it seems to be the big issue is, can someone have more than one property out there as an Airbnb and the recommendation is no."
Bradley said it's not just about protecting neighbourhoods, it's about the hotel industry.
"They're paying commercial business taxes, they're employing a considerable number of people and they're getting competition that does not have those same challenges of business tax and the other challenges that come with being a corporation. That to me is the essence of the issue, protecting that industry and also at the same time protecting neighbourhoods."
A grandfathering provision is also recommended by staff, that would allow operators, in existence before January 1, 2020, a one-time exemption to the principle residence requirement.