Bed and Breakfast Licensing

Effective January 12, 2026, all Bed and Breakfasts in the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula must be licensed. Although the Bed and Breakfast by-law has been passed by Council, the licensing program is not yet open for applications. Once it launches, operators will be able to apply for a licence through the Municipality’s online system, Cloudpermit, for a simple and convenient process. Updates and information about the program will be shared through municipal media channels and local newspapers.

Obtaining a Bed and Breakfast licence helps keep both guests and operators safe by ensuring properties meet safety standards, maintain proper facilities, and comply with public health and municipal regulations.

How to apply for a Bed and Breakfast Licence

A step-by-step application guidebook will be available on this page once applications open.

"Bed & Breakfast Establishment" means a detached dwelling, licensed by the corporation containing not more than three rooms available for sleeping accommodation of the vacationing or travelling public for not more than eight (8) persons in which breakfast shall be offered. A bed and breakfast establishment shall not include a restaurant, and the owner/operator must occupy said dwelling.

When completing the Cloudpermit online application process, a number of supporting documents will be required:

Supporting Documents:
Proof of Ownership (copy of the transfer/deed proving evidence of ownership)
Government Issued Identification (ID) which includes a name photo, and address
Certificate of most recent septic inspection (such as an invoice)
Proof of Insurance (ensure the amount of liability coverage is included)
Site plan (may be hand drawn) - Provide an overview of the property including the location of the septic tank/bed, well, fuel tanks, parking areas, fire pit(s), and all structures on the property.
Floor plan of the dwelling (may be hand drawn) - Including the location of all bedrooms, exits, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Renter Code of Conduct (either utilizing the Municipal Code of Conduct or your own version)
WETT Certificate (If applicable) If a WETT Certificate is required for your property, find a WETT certified inspector here.
Accommodation Licensing Owner Authorization Form required if a person other than the property owner is submitting the Application. The form also allows Municipal staff to discuss matters relating to the operation of the property with the designated individual (e.g. property manager).

If property owners intend to allow guests to have campfires or bonfires, a fire permit must be obtained from the Municipality. More information surrounding fire permits can be found here. Information surrounding outdoor fire safety, methods to extinguish the fire, fire ban regulations, and activating the permit must be provided to guests.

Please review the Bed and Breakfast By-law to confirm your property’s eligibility for a licence. Only properties within Residential Zones (R1 and R2), Rural Zones (RU1), and Commercial Zones (C1 and C2) are automatically eligible. Properties outside these zones may still qualify if proof of previous rental prior to January 1, 2026 is provided to the Licence Issuer.

Application review & property inspection

After you have submitted your Bed and Breakfast Licence application online, municipal staff will review the submission. Once the application has been reviewed for completeness, staff will arrange an inspection where a municipal employee will visit your property and check for specific items relating to the operation of your Bed and Breakfast.

Please familiarize yourself ahead of time with the B&B Inspection Checklist to ensure you will meet the criteria prior to the inspection.

Have questions about the laneway sign requirement? Find examples and answers to frequently asked questions in the Licensing Laneway Sign Requirement Guidebook.

Bunkies and other accessory buildings may not be rented or used as sleeping areas within the rental of the dwelling.

Water Sample Pick-up and Drop-off Requirements
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Office (56 Lindsay Road 5, Lion's Head, Ontario)
Pick up Bottle: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop Off: Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Town of South Bruce Peninsula Office (315 George Street, Wiarton, Ontario)
Pick-up Bottle: Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop Off: Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Following a successful inspection, a bill will be issued on Cloudpermit. The associated fees can be seen below.

Licensing	Registration Fee ($)	Renewal Fee ($)
Bed and Breakfast Licence	500	500
Inspection (Initial inspection)	500
Reinspection (Every three years or if initial inspection failed)		250

Upon the fulfillment of all requirements, a Bed and Breakfast Licence will be issued to a property owner for a period of one year. Please ensure that your Bed and Breakfast Licence Number is clearly identifiable within all rental listings.

Following the issuance of a Bed and Breakfast Licence, owners must report revenues and submit MAT payments quarterly. Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) is being charged at a rate of 4%. The MAT applies only to the accommodation charge and not associated charges, such as meals or room incidentals. The Municipal Accommodation Tax must be identified as a separate item or charge on each bill, receipt, or invoice.

Licences are valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issue.

A step-by-step Renewal Guidebook will be made available once the licensing program is open.

The following documents will be required to be uploaded to your existing Cloudpermit Workspace to renew your Bed and Breakfast Licence.

Your renewed insurance policy,
Evidence of septic pump-out, which does not exceed three (3) years since completion.

Once the documents are uploaded to your Cloudpermit workspace, please contact the Licensing Issuer through Cloudpermit.

After the documents have been reviewed, a renewal fee will be issued to your Cloudpermit workspace. The fee amount will be based on the associated renewal fee and whether a reinspection was completed.

A reinspection of the Bed and Breakfast will be required every three (3) years to ensure continued compliance with Licensing Program guidelines and life safety requirements.

If you have any questions regarding the renewal process, please email the Licensing Issuer.

Municipal Accommodation Tax

Following the issuance of a B&B Licence, owners must report revenues and submit MAT payments quarterly. The MAT applies only to the accommodation charge and not associated charges, such as meals or room incidentals. The Municipal Accommodation Tax must be identified as a separate item or charge on each bill, receipt, or invoice.

Click the button below for more information regarding the MAT Tax.

Municipal Accommodation Tax Webpage

Water Testing Requirements

In Ontario, Bed and Breakfast establishments that use a non-municipal water supply are regulated as Small Drinking Water Systems (SDWSs) under O. Reg. 319/08. Owners are responsible for ensuring drinking water safety through regular testing, proper system maintenance, and compliance with public health requirements, including reporting any adverse results and following direction from the local public health unit.

Contact Grey Bruce Public Health today!

Complaints

Have a concern about a Bed & Breakfast? Click the button below to share the details with us.

Anonymous complaints will not be processed. All complaints require a name, phone number, and/or email address, and a detailed description of the complaint in order for staff to properly respond and follow up to your inquiry. Under the Freedom of Information Act, complainant information is confidential.

Submit a complaint!