Approval Requirements for Holiday Accommodation

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The Shire of Manjimup is regularly finding that landowners have advertised their property for short stay accommodation without first obtaining the necessary planning, building and/or environmental health approvals from the Shire of Manjimup.

You won't need planning approval if you own the property but have a primary residence elsewhere and wish to use the dwelling for holiday accommodation for you and your family. You may also allow friends to stay there provided there is no fee charged.

"Holiday Homes are a legitimate part of the tourist accommodation industry in the South West and desirable in areas of high tourism amenity. Over the past few decades a growing number of holiday homes have been made commercially available, resulting in an increasing trend to purchase or build homes for holiday home use, commented Shire President Paul Omodei.

"A key concern with respect to the occupation of dwellings as holiday homes is to ensure that any such uses will not adversely impact on residential amenity currently enjoyed by residents in surrounding properties. Any activities that result in a loss of enjoyment by neighbouring properties, for instance, unacceptable levels of noise, will be considered a breach of approval."

He added that "bushfire is a serious consideration for the Shire when assessing proposals for short stay accommodation. Where a property is located within an area designated as bushfire prone, unless a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 29 or less is achieved, the Shire cannot support an application unless it is a hosted accommodation (e.g. Bed and Breakfast)".

Planning approval is required prior to the commencement of any short stay accommodation use of a property. Landowners should always speak with the Shire's Statutory Planning Services for information on the requirements and restrictions before advertising a property for tourist accommodation.

In some instances, additional permits may be required for Environmental Health and/or Building Services.

Applications for prior planning approval or if you are seeking approval in retrospect can be downloaded here.

For accommodation that caters for more than six people an application for registration as a lodging house can be made on this form.

If your property is not on reticulated sewer (deep sewer) you will be required to provide information with the application to demonstrate that the existing on-site wastewater management system can cope with the proposed number of guests.

The availability of safe drinking water on properties that are not connected to reticulated water will need to be demonstrated.

Conflicting land uses can severely impact on a persons enjoyment and use of their own property. The Shire needs to consider applications for short stay accommodation with regard to the potential impact on neighbouring properties and existing activities on the proposed land use.

For further information on this or to make application for planning approval, please contact the Shire's Statutory Planning Services on 9771 7777.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Brian Robinson, Acting Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President
Contact: 0448 810 773