Property Types and Zoning - Whistler BC

The Resort Municipality of Whistler offers a diverse selection of property types with zoning or covenants in place to permit "specific uses". The following is offered as a summary and Buyers are advised to confirm the zoning and permitted uses on properties they are interested in purchasing.

Residential Zones

Throughout most of Whistler the residential neighborhoods are zoned for "residential-use" only. Permitted uses include primary residence, residential rentals - (typically one month or longer) and personal recreational-use. Commercial activities including tourist short-term rentals are not permitted. In these areas you will find Chalets (Houses), Townhouses, Apartment style condominiums and Luxury Chalets.

Tourist Accommodation Zones

The majority of these properties are located in the Village area, Blackcomb Benchlands and Whistler Creek. Outside of these areas there are pockets within a few select residential areas that permit tourist rentals. Within the Village, Benchlands and Creekside areas you typically will find townhouses, apartment-style condos and hotel units with Tourist Accommodation Zoning. They usually range in size from studios to 3 and 4 bedroom luxury properties. Within the Tourist Accommodation Zoning areas there are two types of covenants on title commonly referred to as Phase I and Phase II. By placing the restrictive covenants (Phase I and Phase II) on properties the Resort Municipality of Whistler guarantees a minimum percentage of units available for tourist accommodation year round.

Phase I

The properties that have this designation offer unrestricted owners’ use meaning the owner can determine when and how often they want to use it and when and how often they wish to offer it for rent. In most cases they can also choose how to rent it, either short term tourist rentals or as a longer term residential tenancy rental. In addition they usually can choose what company they want as a property manager.

Phase II

These properties are typically the hotel properties within the Village, Benchlands and Creekside areas. They offer restricted use for owners in both the winter and summer seasons. Typically owners are allowed to use their property for a maximum of 28 days in summer and 28 days in winter. Most of the management companies are specific as to when and how owners are allowed to use their units and these units are generally incorporated into an ongoing "hotel" operation. Benefits to owners include "pooled revenues" as well as the standard hotel services (daily maid and room service). These types of units are best suited for the occasional visitor to Whistler or for an investor interested in revenue. Some examples would be The Westin, The Four Season, Delta Village Suites and Pan Pacific Lodge as well as numerous smaller lodges in the Village.

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