Bed & Breakfasts

There are clear distinctions between a Short-Term Rental (STR) accommodation and a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) operation. Please review the information below to determine which model is most appropriate for your property.

Below are the definitions from the Town of Osoyoos Zoning Bylaw 1395, 2024. 

Short-Term Rental Accommodation: means the use of a residential dwelling unit for the temporary commercial accommodation of paying guests for a period of less than one month, but excludes a bed and breakfast operation.

Bed and Breakfast Operations: means an occupation conducted within a principal dwelling unit, by the residents of the dwelling unit, which provides sleeping accommodations to the traveling public and may include the provision of meals for those persons using the sleeping accommodations

Before submitting your Business Licence application, confirm that:

• A bed and breakfast is a permitted use on your property;
• The proposed guest bedrooms meet applicable requirements;
• Required on-site parking can be provided;
• Fire and life-safety requirements can be met; and
• Any other required permits or approvals have been obtained.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Planning and Development Services before making renovations or other significant investments related to a proposed bed and breakfast.

What do I need to apply?

A completed Business Licence application must be submitted to the Town.

Depending on the property and proposed operation, you may also be required to provide supporting information such as:

• A floor plan of the dwelling identifying the bedrooms that will be used for guest accommodation;
• A site or parking plan showing required on-site parking;
• Fire and life-safety information; and
• Other information requested by the Town to confirm compliance with applicable bylaws.

Business Licence Application - Bed & Breakfast 

Bed and breakfast operators must provide the required amount of on-site parking for their operation.

A parking or site plan may be required as part of the Business Licence application. The plan should clearly identify the location of guest parking and demonstrate that vehicles can be accommodated on the property.

Guest parking must not obstruct sidewalks, neighbouring properties, streets or emergency access.

As part of the application, Bed & Breakfast operators must certify that required safety measures have been completed. These include:

• One fire extinguisher per floor, mounted in a visible location
• Interconnected smoke alarms on each level
• Carbon monoxide alarms where gas- or wood-fuelled appliances are present
• Spark arrestors on wood-burning chimneys
• Bedroom windows that meet Building Code egress requirements
• Required guardrails on stairs, decks and balconies
• Electrical and gas systems in good general condition
• Lockable covers for hot tubs
• A minimum four-foot-high fence around pools

A Fire Evacuation Plan must also be posted inside and identify sleeping areas and beds, exits, evacuation routes, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and the property's civic address.

Sample Evacuation Plan