Canmore Zoning

A brief summery to help you understand the different zoning bylaws in Canmore.

RESIDENTIAL ZONING: Single family homes, duplexes, fourplexes, townhouses and apartment-style condos

The most common type of zoning – the owner can live in their home year-round, with no restrictions and can rent out their home on a long-term basis (more than 30 days) or through a property management company.

Advantages:

• No restrictions on personal use

• Zoned for full-time living, part-time living, long-term rental

• Applies to all types of housing styles

Disadvantages:

• No short-term rentals permitted (30 days or less)

• For long term rentals a property management company can be used. They usually charge 7-12% of the gross rental revenue.  

TOURIST ZONING: Apartment-style condos only

 The most flexible form of zoning – full-time living and long or short-term rental (weekly or nightly) and can be rented on websites like AirBnB or VRBO, or through a property management company. Properties are taxed at a higher rate than residentially zoned homes, but if used as a primary residence owners can apply to the Town of Canmore to be taxed the residential rate. Standard mortgage financing is challenging.

Advantages:

• Most flexible zoning

• Zoned for full-time living, part-time living, long-term rental (over 30 days), short-term rental (nightly/weekly)

Disadvantages:

• Standard mortgage financing is typically not available

• Cash-only purchases or commercial mortgage approval required

Note: There have been some new Lending Updates for short-term rental properties. Feel free to ask me further information & I can put you in touch with one of our local mortgage brokers.

VISITOR ACCOMMODATION ZONING: Vacation apartment-style condos only

The owner can use the property year round for up to 30 days at a time. It can be left vacant or be professionally managed to generate income when not used by the owner. Usually these properties are required to be cash purchases.

Advantages:

• Zoned for short-term rental (nightly/weekly), part-time living (less than 30 days at a time)

• Vacancy is permitted when not in use

• Hotel-style front desk management

• Rental pool or self-management options

Disadvantages:

• Standard mortgage financing is typically not available

• Cash-only purchasing or commercial mortgagee approval required

• Maximum stays of 30 days

Note: There have been some new Lending Updates for short-term rental properties. Feel free to ask me further information & I can put you in touch with one of our local mortgage brokers.

EMPLOYEE HOUSING / PERPETUALLY AFFORDABLE HOUSING (PAH): Apartment-style condos only

• Ownership is restricted to residents who work a minimum 20 hours/week in the Bow Valley or with their own tenants or other employees who work a minimum 20 hours/week in the Bow Valley.

• Purchased from the Canmore Community Housing Corporation (CCHC) and may be resale restricted. Visit www.canmorehousing.ca for more information.