If you’re considering running a short-term rental (STR) in Golden, BC, it’s important to understand that the rules differ depending on whether your property is inside the Town of Golden or in the surrounding Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Area A. Regulations are very specific, and overlooking them can cause big problems.
Short-Term Rentals Inside the Town of Golden
The Town of Golden has its own bylaw for STRs, and the key requirement is:
You must live in the home as your primary residence and be residing there in order to rent part of it out.
That means:
- You cannot buy a second home in town to use as an Airbnb.
- You cannot leave on vacation and rent your whole house.
- STRs are only permitted when you live in the property full-time and are renting out a portion of it.
Bed & Breakfast vs Short-Term Rental Licenses
The Town issues two different types of licenses, and it’s important to understand the difference:
- Bed & Breakfast (B&B) – applies when renting up to three bedrooms within your primary residence. This is shared space in your own home.
- Some homeowners with “in-law” or “illegal” suites downgrade them to B&B use by removing the full kitchen and instead installing a “wet bar” (sink, under-counter fridge, microwave).
- The space must still meet safety requirements like egress windows, but full fire separations are not required.
- Short-Term Rental (STR) – applies when renting a secondary suite that is a standalone dwelling unit.
- To qualify, the suite must comply with the BC Building Code, including proper fire separations, and must have had an Occupancy Permit issued by the Town.
- Without that Occupancy Permit, the suite is not legally recognized as a secondary dwelling, even if utilities are separate.
From a buyer’s perspective, it’s important not to assume a suite is legal just because the current owner calls it “legal” or “grandfathered.” Always check with the Town of Golden to confirm whether an Occupancy Permit exists.
Where STRs Are Allowed
- OSO and Riverstone are the only multi-family complexes in town zoned to allow STRs.
- Commercial properties in town may qualify, but standard residential zoning does not, unless it’s your primary residence.
Official Town resource: Town of Golden Short-Term Rental Regulations
Compliance Steps for Short-Term Rentals
To operate legally, you’ll need to:
- Confirm zoning allows STR use.
- Determine if your space qualifies as a B&B or a STR.
- Apply for the correct business license.
- Pass any required safety inspections (fire, building code, etc.).
- Stay compliant with all bylaws while residing in the home.
Short-Term Rentals in CSRD Area A (Outside of Town)
If your property is located outside town boundaries, you fall under CSRD Area A. Here’s the important distinction:
- Golden and Area A are within BC provincial jurisdiction, but the provincial STR rules do not apply here, other than the requirement to register your STR with the Province of BC.
- Some rural properties may have covenants or title restrictions that prohibit STR use, even if zoning itself doesn’t restrict it.
Because these details vary property by property, due diligence is essential before buying or setting up an STR.
FAQs
- Which zones in Golden allow short-term rentals?
- Only your primary residence (where you live full-time).
- OSO and Riverstone are the only multi-family complexes with zoning that allows STRs.
- Commercial properties may qualify, depending on use.
- What’s the difference between a B&B and an STR license?
- B&B = renting out bedrooms in your shared home (up to three). No full kitchen, but wet bar allowed. No fire separations required.
- STR = renting out a fully legal secondary suite. Must comply with BC Building Code, have fire separations, and hold an Occupancy Permit.
- What steps do I need to follow to set up a compliant STR?
- Confirm zoning.
- Determine if your space qualifies as B&B or STR.
- Apply for the correct license with the Town.
- Schedule required inspections.
- Register with the Province (whether in town or CSRD). See my blog about STR Registration HERE.
- Do commercial properties or those zoned for STRs typically cost more?
Yes. Properties zoned for STRs are in high demand and very limited supply, which usually makes them more expensive than standard residential homes.
DOWNLOAD Free Quick Reference Guide for Short-Term Rentals in Golden, BC.
The Bottom Line
Short-term rentals in Golden are tightly regulated. Inside town, they’re only permitted if you live in the home as your primary residence — either by renting out bedrooms as a B&B or a legal, code-compliant secondary suite. In CSRD Area A, the provincial rules don’t apply (except for registration), but title restrictions may still prevent STR use.
Because the rules vary by property and license type, the best approach is to work with a knowledgeable local REALTOR® (like me!) to confirm zoning, licensing, and title restrictions before making any decisions.
Thinking of buying or setting up an STR in Golden? Contact me and let’s review the details together.
