Bed and Breakfasts

Before you begin

1. Zoning: Ensure your location is zoned for a B&B by checking with our Zoning section at [email protected] or calling 905-356-7521 ext. 4330.
2. Bedrooms: You can only operate a B&B with a maximum of three guest bedrooms.
3. Building Permits: Converting to a B&B will require a building permit. You must also close any open permits, even those under a different owner. Learn more about the Building Permit Application Process.
4. Check the by-laws: Learn about rules that apply to B&Bs.

Application

Ensure your application is complete to help process it quickly.

• Bed and Breakfast Checklist
• Bed and Breakfast Application Form

Please email your completed application to Debra Jones | Licensing Coordinator | [email protected] | 905-356-7521 ext. 4283

Fees

Check the Licence Fee Schedule for fees associated with B&B business licences.

Fines and Penalties

It is illegal to:

• Own and operate a B&B in Niagara Falls in an unzoned residential area
• Advertise a B&B on a brokerage platform without a license, per By-Law 2021-99.

Fine amounts:

• First offence: up to $50,000
• Second offence and each subsequent offence: up to $100,000 each time
• These fines are contained within By-Law 2021-57.

Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

B&B operators must register, collect and remit the MAT tax.

Visit the Municipal Accommodation Tax page for details.

You must get a building permit when converting your home into a Bed and Breakfast business. Additional fees will apply.

If you have already finalized a building permit for a previous conversion to a B&B but plan to renovate, you might need another permit.

• Zoning confirmation is required to complete the submission of a building permit application (unless exempt). Visit the Zoning Compliance Certificate page to learn more.
• The building permit must be issued, and all inspections must be passed before your business can get a licence.
• Applications, fees and payments can be completed through your City Dashboard Account.

To learn more about how to apply for a building permit, visit the Building Permit Application Process page. 

Open building permits or orders

There might be open building permits or orders on your property. Finalize any open permits before obtaining or renewing a business license. If these permits are under a previous owner, Building Services will guide you on how to finalize them.

Questions?

Contact Building Services at [email protected] or 905-356-7521 ext. 4001.

A Bed and Breakfast must have a business license, and the owner must live on-site.

You can check the list of licensed Bed and Breakfasts to find out if the property is licensed.

Report an illegal B&B to the Municipal Enforcement team:

Email: Municipal Enforcement 

Phone: 905-356-7521 ext. 8000

Bed and Breakfast by-laws:

• By-law 2018-91
• By-law 2018-92
• By-law 2021-57
• By-law 2021-99

Note: Airbnb or VRBO are not examples of bed and breakfast homes or vacation rental units in our bylaws. These privately owned advertising companies are not connected to the official definitions or regulations listed above.

B&Bs are only allowed in certain residential and commercial zones.

Questions? Contact 905-356-7521 ext. 4330 or [email protected] to learn more about zoning for your B&B.