Clearview considers removing zoning requirements for B&Bs

There was no opposition to a staff driven initiative to allow bed-and-breakfasts as a permitted use in residential zones at a public meeting on March 5.

The zoning amendment, if passed, would allow people to operate B&Bs in their homes without getting a specific zoning. It would apply to single detached homes, allowing for a maximum of three guest rooms in residential areas, and a maximum of five guest rooms in rural and agricultural zones.

The seven Clearview Township properties currently zoned for a B&B would revert back to a residential zone.

Director of Community Services Mara Burton said one of the motivators is to encourage economic development, in that it will encourage people to stay overnight in local communities, where there are no other forms of accommodation, and allows people to operate as a home based accommodation business.

“Many municipalities permit bed and breakfasts within their residential zones without the need to do a zoning amendment. Clearview is deficient on accommodation and bed and breakfasts would be an opportunity to help fill this need,” reported Burton… “Bed-and-breakfasts are also an opportunity for those who want to invest in their home and can encourage that reinvestment in the community.”

She noted that in other municipalities where she has worked she has not seen any problems resulting from B&B operations.

It also reduces the need for rezoning so people wouldn’t have to go through the process of reverting a property to straight residential when buying or selling.

Burton noted the proposal is to permit B&Bs in homes, only when it does not have an accessory dwelling unit.

Although no opposition was voiced at the March 5 public meeting, Bill Roskar did express concern about Air B&B and said he would like to see more controls in place.

The proposed bylaw amendment does require that the B&B be operated by a resident and that they are home when guests are staying in the house.