Edmonton Council Approves Zoning Bylaw Changes for Lodging Houses

The City of Edmonton council approved new changes to the zoning bylaws that modify the definition of a lodging house. The council voted 9-3, with Aaron Paquette absent, to pass the amendments. The new rules classify a lodging house as a dwelling with three or more bedrooms rented out individually. Under the new rules, small scale (RS) and small scale flex (RSF) units are capped at eight units per lot, while small-medium scale transition (RSM) zones are capped at 12 units per lot. Lodging houses are now prohibited in row housing or secondary suites.

The amendments provide property inspectors with the tools to enforce the new rules. The city maintains a list of over 300 suspect properties that may be operating as lodging houses without proper requirements. Fines for operating an illegal lodging house begin at $1,000, rising to $2,500 for a second offense and doubling thereafter.