VACATION RENTAL (Rules & regulations)
Bonaire has a lot of tourists, the local government OLB (Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire) wants to regulate tourism somewhat. They do not allow short-term rentals in residential areas.
The zoning plan is roughly divided into residential areas, commercial areas, mixed-use areas and natural areas. Regulations apply to each area.
Vacation rental or short-term rental is restricted to specific areas as indicated on the map of the Spatial Development Plan map (Ruimtelijk Ontwikkelingsplan) for Bonaire.
The Spatial Development Plan for Bonaire specifies that it is only permitted in areas with the following designations:
Recreation-Residential Recreation
Mixed-I
Mixed-IV
Mixed-VI
Center (hotels & existing vacation homes built before 2022)
In other designated areas, short-term stays (rental up to 90 days) are not allowed on Bonaire. Rental of homes for 3 months or longer is generally allowed across the island. If a property is located in a different zone, such as residential zone 1, 2, or 3, the owner cannot apply for an exemption or permission to rent it for short-term stays.
At the link below you can check the different zoning areas:
Ruimtelijk ontwikkelingsplan Bonaire (arcgis.com)
Why is vacation rental not allowed everywhere?
Permanent occupancy of a recreational home is not allowed because of the zoning plan. This is because the zoning plan states what zoning a certain area has and you must strictly adhere to it. Therefore, you will almost never be allowed to live permanently in a chalet or mobile home.
