The City of Gosnells is calling for public feedback on a draft planning policy for unhosted short-term rental accommodation, with submissions closing at 5pm on Tuesday, January 27.
Council resolved at its December 16, 2025 meeting to advertise Draft Local Planning Policy 1.5, which aims to provide guidance for the assessment of development applications for unhosted short-term rental accommodation in the City.
A report presented to council said changes to state planning regulations in January 2025 introduced a state-wide development approval exemption for hosted short-term rental accommodation and a 90-night exemption within a 12-month period for unhosted short-term rental accommodation.
The report said unhosted short-term rental accommodation used for more than 90 nights requires development approval, and the legislative changes have led to an increase in development applications being submitted to the City.
According to the minutes, the draft policy seeks to balance the benefits of unhosted short-term rentals with the need to protect residential amenity and maintain neighbourhood character.
The draft policy applies to proposals for unhosted short-term rental accommodation operating for more than 90 nights and requires applications to include a management plan addressing potential amenity impact, along with information relating to signage, dwelling occupancy, parking and bushfire considerations.
The minutes said the draft policy includes a provision for five-year development approvals to allow the City to monitor the medium-term impacts of unhosted short-term rentals across Gosnells.
Councillor Serena Williamson said the issue had been heavily debated at several council meetings and workshops in the past six months.
She added that up until the ordinary council meeting on October 14, 2025, council had not approved unhosted short-term rental accommodation in the City under Town Planning Scheme 6.
Cr Williamson said the City’s new Local Planning Scheme 24 introduced specific use classes for unhosted and hosted short-term rental accommodation, with hosted short-term rental accommodation not requiring development approval because a permanent resident lives at the address.
She said that under the draft policy, if an application complies, City staff would be able to approve it under delegated authority and it would not require advertising.
The council minutes state the draft policy was previously considered in August and October 2025, with council twice deferring endorsement of the policy for further consideration at elected member workshops.
Public comments will be considered by council before the policy is adopted.
Submissions can be made through the City’s Your Say Gosnells consultation page, with enquiries directed to Development Services on 9397 3000.
