Guide to Short-Term Rentals in the City of North Vancouver (CNV)
Thinking of running an Airbnb or other short-term rental in North Vancouver? Be careful—not all parts of North Vancouver are governed by the same rules.
This guide specifically covers short-term rental (STR) regulations in the City of North Vancouver (CNV)—not the District of North Vancouver (DNV). If your property is in the District, be sure to check their separate policies.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Short-term rental regulations can change, and specific requirements may vary based on your property. Always confirm the current rules with the City of North Vancouver before making decisions about operating or purchasing a home with a short-term rental.
What is considered a short-term rental in the City of North Vancouver?
A short-term rental (STR) in CNV is defined as the rental of a furnished bedroom or self-contained dwelling for less than 90 consecutive days. This includes listings on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and others.
How do I know if my property is in the City or the District?
If you’re unsure whether your home is in CNV or DNV, check your property tax notice or use the City of North Vancouver address lookup tool. Regulations in this guide apply only to properties within the City of North Vancouver.
Where can I legally operate a short-term rental in CNV?
You can legally operate an STR only in your principal residence, and—if applicable—in one additional legal unit on the same property, such as a registered secondary suite or coach house.
STRs are not permitted in:
- Non-principal residences
- Unauthorized suites or coach houses
- Non-market rental housing
- Residences that also operate licensed child care facilities
Who is allowed to run a short-term rental?
Both homeowners and long-term tenants can operate STRs in CNV, as long as they meet the requirements and receive appropriate approvals:
- Tenants need written permission from the property owner
- Condo/townhome owners need written authorization from their Strata Corporation
- Duplex owners (in stratified two-unit buildings) must get consent from the neighbouring owner
What types of short-term rental licences are available?
CNV offers three licence categories for short-term rentals:
- Short-Term Boarding
- Rental of furnished bedrooms without cooking facilities
- Fee: $250/year
- Short-Term Residential Rental
- Rental of a full self-contained residence (includes kitchen, bath, living/sleeping area)
- Fee: $550/year
- Bed & Breakfast
- Rental of furnished bedrooms with breakfast provided
- Fee: $19.46 per room, per year
How to apply for a short-term rental licence in CNV
Here’s how to get licensed:
- Download the correct application form at cnv.org/ShortTermRentals
- Submit your application by email or in person at City Hall
- Pay the $51.20 non-refundable application fee
- The City will review your application for:
- Principal residence status
- Building, zoning, and safety compliance
- Any required written approvals (e.g., from owner or strata)
- If approved, you’ll receive an invoice for your business licence
- Pay your annual licence fee
- The City will schedule an on-site inspection within 90 days of licence issuance
Can I Use an Unauthorized Suite for Airbnb in the City of North Vancouver?
No, if your STR is in a secondary suite, the space must be a legal, permitted unit — simply having a separate entrance and kitchen isn’t enough.
A legal suite in CNV is one that:
- Was approved through the City’s building permit process
- Meets zoning, building code, and fire safety requirements
- Is located on a property where the owner lives as their principal residence
Unauthorized suites — those added without permits or not up to current code — cannot be used for short-term rentals. If the City finds an unpermitted suite in operation, you may be required to bring it into compliance or decommission it, which can be costly.
If you’re unsure about your suite’s status, it’s best to confirm with the City before applying for a licence.
Read our full guide: Understanding Secondary Suites in the City of North Vancouver — Learn the difference between legal and unauthorized suites, how to legalize one, and what to watch for when buying or selling a property with a suite.
Provincial registration requirement
In addition to a CNV business licence, BC law now requires all short-term rental operators to have a Provincial Registration Number. You’ll need to provide proof of your valid CNV STR business licence when registering with the province. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo will only allow listings with a verified provincial registration number and valid municipal licence.
Are there rules for parking and guest limits?
Yes. Parking and guest rules depend on your zoning and rental type:
- Off-street parking is required for most STRs in single-family zones or when using accessory units
- Guest limits apply for “Short-Term Boarding,” but not for “Short-Term Residential Rentals”
- Full details are outlined in CNV’s Zoning Bylaw Sections 507 and 908
What documents or approvals do I need?
To apply, you may need:
- Proof of principal residence (utility bill, ID, etc.)
- Strata authorization form (if applicable)
- Property owner consent (if you’re a tenant)
- Neighbour consent (for duplexes)
- A log of STR activity, upon request
All forms are available at cnv.org/ShortTermRentals.
Can I live in the suite and STR the main home?
Yes. You can live in either the main home or a legal secondary suite—as long as the property as a whole is your principal residence.
Final tips for STR operators in the City of North Vancouver
- Make sure your suite is legal and up to code
- Get your municipal business licence before listing your property
- Keep records of bookings, guests, and rental dates
- Display your business licence visibly once approved
- Contact CNV early with any questions or zoning concerns
City of North Vancouver Licensing Team
- Email: licence@cnv.org
- Phone: 604-982-9675
Looking to Buy in North Vancouver?
If you’re in the market for a property in the City of North Vancouver, we can help you identify homes that align with your goals — whether that means focusing on principal-residence suitability, potential for a legal suite, or other features important to you. While short-term rental rules are strict and not suitable for every property or neighbourhood, we can ensure you understand the zoning and bylaw implications before you buy.