Question - Planning

1. Does ‘Airbnb’ fall under the definition of ‘commercial accommodation’ under the planning system.
2. Is commercial accommodation a permitted land use in residential zones under the Residential Zones Policy.
3. Are exemptions available for commercial accommodation to operate in Residential Zones.
4. How many exemptions have been granted for commercial accommodation to operate in Residential Zones.
5. What are the consequences of conducting commercial accommodation operations in Residential Zones without an exemption.
6. What avenues of recourse are available to residents who neighbour commercial accommodation in Residential Zones.

(1) No. ‘Airbnb’ is the trade name of a company operating an online marketplace for short and long-term homestays. 

(2) No. 

(3) There are no specific exemptions available for commercial accommodation to operate in a residential zones, however they could be considered a home business, where exemptions from requiring development approval do apply. 

(4) The nature of exemptions means there is no application made.

(5) If a complaint is made, Access Canberra can investigate the allegations made in the complaint. There are a several actions that could be taken by Access Canberra. Potential enforcement actions are identified in the Planning Act 2023. 

(6) A neighbour may make a complaint to Access Canberra.