STRs permitted since 2025, a stricter 30-day definition, no annual night cap, and up to 8 guests — here's what West Vancouver hosts need to know.
West Vancouver began permitting STRs on January 1, 2025, with enforcement beginning May 1, 2025. The STR definitions and permissions are now formally part of West Vancouver's Zoning and Licensing Bylaws, aligned with provincial legislation. There is no annual night cap, and guest limits of up to 8 apply.
West Vancouver offers two distinct STR licence types depending on what you are renting and whether it includes cooking facilities.
For a self-contained dwelling that includes cooking facilities — such as a secondary suite. The entire unit is rented to guests as their own self-contained space.
Example: a legal basement suite with its own kitchen, rented to guests while the owner lives in the main unit above.
For a portion of a dwelling without cooking facilities — such as a bedroom. Guests access common areas but do not have a self-contained unit. Similar in practice to a B&B arrangement.
Example: renting a spare bedroom in your home to short-term guests while you remain on-site.
All West Vancouver STR operators must meet the following conditions before and during operation.
STRs became legally permitted in West Vancouver on January 1, 2025. Enforcement of the licensing requirement began May 1, 2025. Operators who began hosting before obtaining a licence may have faced enforcement action.
A valid STR business licence from the District of West Vancouver must be obtained before marketing or accepting bookings. Initial fees range approximately $350–$450. Annual renewals are required. Some secondary suite applications may require a separate secondary suite licence first.
West Vancouver applies a maximum of 8 guests per STR booking. Noise and parking bylaws also apply during guest stays. Operators are expected to ensure guests comply with neighbourhood standards.
Only one short-term rental is permitted per property or parcel — you cannot operate multiple STR units on the same lot simultaneously. However, there is no annual cap on the number of nights you can host, which is favourable for full-time operators.
These examples show how West Vancouver's rules apply in practice.
You own a house in West Vancouver, live there, hold a valid STR licence, register provincially, and rent it for stays under 30 days. Up to 8 guests. No annual night cap applies.
You live in the main unit and want to rent a coach house or secondary suite on the same property. One STR per property is permitted. Confirm whether a secondary suite licence is required before the STR licence application.
Operating an STR in a property you don't live in, or running two separate STR units on the same parcel, is not permitted. The principal residence requirement and one-STR-per-property rule both apply.
Legal short-term rentals in the District of West Vancouver require all of the following.
District of West Vancouver: The District's bylaw enforcement and licensing section provides the STR Operator Handbook, current application forms, fee schedules, and safety requirements for short-term rentals.
Province of BC — STR Registry: All BC hosts must register with the provincial STR registry to receive their provincial registration number before listing.
Regulations in West Vancouver are relatively new (effective 2025). Always verify current requirements directly with the District and the Province of BC before listing.
West Vancouver has historically been one of the most restrictive municipalities in Metro Vancouver for short-term rentals. While the 2025 framework does permit STRs on paper, zoning requirements mean that in most areas of West Vancouver, STR operation effectively runs as a Lodger / Room Rental (B&B-style) rather than a full Dwelling Unit Rental. This increases the practical difficulty of obtaining a licence for many homeowners — particularly those hoping to rent a self-contained suite.
We are actively monitoring how the 2025 regulations are being applied and enforced. We will update this guide following our 2026 review once we have more data on approvals, rejections, and enforcement patterns. If you are considering an STR in West Vancouver, we recommend confirming your specific property's eligibility directly with the District's licensing staff before investing time in the application process.
⚠ Disclaimer: This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations in West Vancouver came into effect in 2025 and may evolve. Always verify current requirements directly with the District of West Vancouver and the Province of BC. Last verified: March 2026.