Post by High Priestess on Mar 11, 2016 2:35:09 GMT
See the article:
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-09/tasmania-airbnb-sub-lets-permit-free-six-weeks-hobart-rentals/7233164
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 system that features 22 zones, such as retail residential, industrial and agricultural.
Next week the Planning Commission will provide 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.
Policing legislation 'just impossible'
Airbnb operator Jill Saunders organizes a group of operators in Hobart.
She built her Lindisfarne property four years ago to tap into the Airbnb market.
Ms Saunders said, back then, there were 29 properties in Hobart listed with the website — now there's 1,700.
"It gives people an experience of Tasmania that they wouldn't get in a hotel room," she said.
"We can give them that local experience that travellers are now seeking. The industry has to evolve."
Ms Saunders said trying to introduce the new permit system would be like "legislating smoke".
"There's no way of policing it. How is it physically possible for the Government to police this piece of legislation? It's just impossible," she said.
"Why wouldn't it be a licence to operate at any time, just like any other tourism operator?
"We get visitors from all over the world, particularly the Chinese, who are shown a side of Tasmania that they wouldn't see otherwise.
"Two people who have stayed at this property have bought property in Lindisfarne, directly as a result of staying in a place that they would never have experienced if they had gone to a hotel.
"They're not seeking a hotel experience."
Jeff Briscoe is one of several City of Hobart Alderman who own Airbnb properties, and is also the chairman of its planning committee. He has welcomed the proposal.
"There has been complaints from the normal accommodation providers that there are a whole lot of people who seem to not be obeying the law," he said.
"But generally now, people who have operated this Airbnb accommodation have realised they need planning permission, and have approached the council to get permission.
"There is a shortage of accommodation in Hobart, particularly around Christmas and New Year, so the more accommodations we can provide, and often it's in historic houses or part of people's homes, I think it's a good thing."
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-09/tasmania-airbnb-sub-lets-permit-free-six-weeks-hobart-rentals/7233164
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 system that features 22 zones, such as retail residential, industrial and agricultural.
Next week the Planning Commission will provide 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.
Policing legislation 'just impossible'
Airbnb operator Jill Saunders organizes a group of operators in Hobart.
She built her Lindisfarne property four years ago to tap into the Airbnb market.
Ms Saunders said, back then, there were 29 properties in Hobart listed with the website — now there's 1,700.
"It gives people an experience of Tasmania that they wouldn't get in a hotel room," she said.
"We can give them that local experience that travellers are now seeking. The industry has to evolve."
Ms Saunders said trying to introduce the new permit system would be like "legislating smoke".
"There's no way of policing it. How is it physically possible for the Government to police this piece of legislation? It's just impossible," she said.
"Why wouldn't it be a licence to operate at any time, just like any other tourism operator?
"We get visitors from all over the world, particularly the Chinese, who are shown a side of Tasmania that they wouldn't see otherwise.
"Two people who have stayed at this property have bought property in Lindisfarne, directly as a result of staying in a place that they would never have experienced if they had gone to a hotel.
"They're not seeking a hotel experience."
Jeff Briscoe is one of several City of Hobart Alderman who own Airbnb properties, and is also the chairman of its planning committee. He has welcomed the proposal.
"There has been complaints from the normal accommodation providers that there are a whole lot of people who seem to not be obeying the law," he said.
"But generally now, people who have operated this Airbnb accommodation have realised they need planning permission, and have approached the council to get permission.
"There is a shortage of accommodation in Hobart, particularly around Christmas and New Year, so the more accommodations we can provide, and often it's in historic houses or part of people's homes, I think it's a good thing."