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Category: Government and Politics / Tourism

Tasmania Airbnb sublets to be permit-free for six weeks a year

Wednesday, 9 Mar 2016 10:39:46

Sanctioning Airbnb use will ease accommodation shortages, Peter Gutwein says. (ABC News: Janek Frankowski)

Tasmanian homes can be rented out through websites such as Airbnb for up to six weeks a year without a permit under the state's new statewide planning scheme.

The Government intends to replace more than 30 planning schemes with one overarching system that features 22 zones, such as retail residential, industrial and agricultural.

Next week the Planning Commission will release details about what will and will not be allowed in each zone when the statewide planning scheme is implemented next year.

Planning Minister Peter Gutwein said new rules for Airbnb users would ease the shortage of accommodation in some parts of the state during peak times while protecting the interests of existing hotels and bed and breakfasts.

"It will provide clarity for Airbnb and other short-term accommodation options by enabling residential buildings to operate for up to six weeks - 42 days - a year before permits are required," he said.

Some Airbnb and Stayz hosts in Tasmania have been threatened with big fines from councils for advertising their properties on the website.

Under existing Hobart City Council regulations, homeowners have to apply for approval before leasing a room.

Mr Gutwein told Parliament the planning scheme would also allow for "shop-top living" in business zones.

"It will revitalise city centres by introducing city living into those cities across the state," he said.

The state's 29 councils have already had two months to consider the proposed common zones and have raised a number of concerns about the protection of heritage buildings and confusion about rural zones.

The public will get its chance to give feedback next week.

AustraliaPlus


 

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