In August 2018 the Minister for Planning introduced Planning Directive No. 6 – Exemption and Standards for Visitor Accommodation in Planning Schemes. This directive is intended to provide an easier pathway for property owners to gain the appropriate planning approvals from Council for short term accommodation, such as Airbnb or Stayz.
- Applications for Visitor Accommodation which meet the requirements of Planning Directive No. 6 use a state-wide standardised application form and pay a set fee of $250.00.
- Applications for Visitor Accommodation which do not meet the requirements of Planning Directive No. 6 are assessed under the relevant Council’s planning scheme, use the Council application form, and pay the normal Council planning fee.
The Planning Directive also set outs exemptions for visitor accommodation in existing dwellings, including ancillary dwellings (granny flats). No planning permit is required for visitor accommodation in existing dwellings provided:
- the dwelling is used by the owner or occupier as their main place of residence, and only let while the owner or occupier is on vacation or temporarily absent; or
- the dwelling is used by the owner or occupier as their main place of residence, and visitors are accommodated in not more than 4 bedrooms.
However, these provisions only apply to existing habitable buildings. Conversion of outbuildings to visitor accommodation or construction of new buildings are assessed via the usual planning application process. Consideration is also given to the requirements of the zoning provisions which apply to a property, in addition to parking requirements.
For more information about which application process applies to your development please contact Council on (03) 6443 8333 to book an appointment with one of Council’s town planners or email your enquiry to townplanner@warwyn.tas.gov.au