LEP amendment to allow short term rental

19 March, 2014

Wingecarribee Shire Council wishes to advise of an amendment to the Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014 as of 14 March 2014.

The amendment by way of a new clause (clause 7.11), allows for the short term rental of dwellings for tourist and visitor accommodation without Council consent.

The clause applies to all approved dwellings within the Shire; however, it does not permit the use of the property for functions such as weddings, conferences or other like commercial operations. The use of a property as a function centre is only permitted with Council consent in certain zones throughout the Shire. Likewise educational establishments also require Council approval.

As part of the resolution Council is also calling on applications from the public to join a Short Term Residential Tourist Accommodation Committee to look at developing a Code of Compliance for Short Term Letting of Residential Dwellings for Tourist and Visitor Accommodation.

The Committee’s major focus will be to address activities from guests to ensure that the amenity of surrounding residents in the neighbourhood is not reduced. Nominations to be part of the Committee will be accepted up until the end of March.

‘Short-term tourist and visitor accommodation’ is tourist and visitor accommodation that is used for a maximum period of 45 consecutive days in any 12 month period per individual or group.

Council’s Group Manager of Strategic and Assets, Mark Pepping spoke of the role of the sunset committee.

“The Committee will look at the current operation of Short Stay establishments within the Shire and also any regulatory codes and guidelines already in existence across NSW and Australia and report back to Council within three months,” he said.

Another resolution of the Council Planning and Strategic Committee meeting of the 12 February was the preparation of a Fact Sheet.

“The fact sheet will shortly be available on Council’s website and through local real estate agents,” Mr Pepping said.

“It will inform owners of properties which are rented out for short term tourist and visitor accommodation of their legal and social responsibilities and of their need to comply with the Real Estate Institute’s Holiday Rental Code of Conduct.”

For more information, contact Mr Pepping on phone 4868 0851.