THE City of Bayswater will not be part of a WA Local Government Association (WALGA) discussion into short-term accommodation after approving its own policy to regulate listings such as Airbnb and Stayz in June.
Mayor Barry McKenna said the City’s policy was a response to the growing market for short-term rental accommodation.
WALGA released its Short-Term Rental Accommodation and the Sharing Economy discussion paper that will provide an outline for councils on future policies.
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READ NOWWALGA has asked councils for feedback on the paper to develop a draft recommendation for the State Council to consider at its December meeting.
The paper says many Airbnb and Stayz listings have led to community concerns over noise, parking, anti-social behaviour and strata issues, including increased building maintenance.
Cr McKenna said under the City’s policy, up to 10 guests (or six guests plus the property owner and his/her family) were able to stay at a property on a short-term basis without gaining a permit from the City.
“The City’s Short-Term Accommodation Policy was developed in an effort to provide property owners with guidance on the operation of short-term accommodation and make the process easier by reducing unnecessary red tape,” he said.
Bassendean chief executive Bob Jarvis said the Town did not comment on the paper or have a policy and properties that operated as “bed and breakfast” or “residential building” should not be carried out without development approval.
WALGA president Lynne Craigie said the paper and future report would address “emerging changes” in the market and whether members consider advocacy or policy improvements were needed.
“Currently councils draw upon guidelines by the Department of Planning on holiday homes specific to short-stay use of residential dwellings and many have amended their schemes or local planning policies as a result,” she said.
“For those who already have a short-term accommodation policy, there will be no immediate impact.”
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