Bed and Breakfasts

Zoning Regulations for Bed and Breakfast Establishments are now in effect subject to regulations in the parent Zoning By-laws (No. 79-200, By-law 395,1966 and 1538, 1958).

A licensed Bed and Breakfast (BNB) is permitted within an owner occupied detached dwelling (or dwelling unit of a duplex or semi-detached dwelling), where these dwellings are permitted in residential and commercial zones, subject to the regulations contained in By-law No. 2018-91.

Operators of Bed and Breakfasts are to be in possession of an active license to operate.  Applications for Bed & Breakfasts can be found on the Business Licensing Page.

Please contact Planning, Building and Development if you wish to discuss zoning matters for these uses.

On August 18, 2021, the Ontario Land Tribunal approved Official Plan Amendment No. 127, which amends the Official Plan to add definitions and policies respecting Vacation Rental Units and Bed and Breakfasts and By-law No. 2018-92,  which implements regulations for Vacation Rental Units. The Order approving these documents can be found at the Ontario Land Tribunal Case PL180774 (PDF) link. By-law No. 2018-91, which implements regulations for Bed and Breakfasts, was previously approved by an Order issued by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, dated November 5, 2019. 

Applicable By-laws

• By-law 2018-91 (PDF)
• By-law 2018-92 (PDF)
• By-law 2021-57 (PDF)
• By-law 2021-99 (PDF)

Note:  AirBnB and/or VRBO are separate and privately-owned advertising companies for both bed and breakfast homes and vacation rental units and should not be used to refer to any references as noted above. 

Bed & Breakfast Listings

The City of Niagara Falls has traditionally allowed for Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) in residential areas, however these properties differ than a traditional VRU as the owner of the property must live on site and be present when the travelling public is using the property. These units must also be licensed by the City. The City will be updating its bylaw(s) in order to ensure owner occupied vacation rental units including B&Bs are licensed and regulated effectively.

A list of Vacation Rental Unit properties.