The original Government of Western Australia article was posted here: https://tinyurl.com/yhhrpbch
The Cook Government has introduced new local planning regulations aimed at creating a fairer and better-managed Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) sector across Western Australia.
Consistent Rules for STRA
The amendments to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 will establish consistent rules for both hosted properties, where the host lives onsite, and unhosted properties, where guests have exclusive use of the accommodation.
Metropolitan and Regional Requirements
Metropolitan local governments will need to amend their planning schemes to require development approval for STRA within the next 12 months. Regional local governments that do not currently require development approval for STRA may choose to amend their planning schemes accordingly.
Key Changes and Requirements
Planning approval will be mandatory for unhosted STRA properties used for more than 90 nights annually. The new rules, developed in consultation with local governments, include:
New definitions for STRA in all local government planning schemes.
Statewide exemptions from planning approval for hosted STRA properties.
Planning exemptions for unhosted STRA within the Perth metropolitan area for properties rented out for less than 90 nights per year.
Flexibility for regional local governments to implement planning rules that suit their communities.
Revised tourism land uses for local government planning schemes.
Registration and Compliance
All STRA providers in Western Australia must register on the STRA Register by 1 January 2025 to legally advertise and take bookings. The data collected will support future regulation and planning of the STRA sector. The deadline for free 12-month registration, valued at $250, has been extended to 1 December 2024.
STRA owners must comply with existing local planning laws, which may include obtaining development approval. Local governments will amend their planning schemes during 2025 to ensure development approvals can be obtained by 1 January 2026. STRA owners can register their properties without development approval but must update the register with their approval number once granted.
Ministerial Comments
Planning Minister John Carey stated, “These new regulations follow the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act 2024, passed earlier this year to improve sector management. The changes will bring clarity to local governments on defining and managing short-term rental accommodation in a planning context. These reforms will enable local governments to amend their planning schemes and provide transparency and certainty to communities.”
Commerce Minister Sue Ellery added, “The new planning regulations, alongside the STRA register, will give communities, users, and authorities a clearer picture of the STRA sector, enabling better regulation and planning. We’re supporting owners by extending the fee-free registration period, allowing all STRA properties signed up by the end of November to receive a complimentary year of registration.”
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