Bed and Breakfast

What is a bed and breakfast?

Under the City’s District Planning Scheme No. 2, a bed and breakfast is defined as:
“any dwelling in which the resident of the dwelling provides accommodation on an overnight or short-term basis, usually to the travelling public, and may include the provision of breakfast”.

Where can bed and breakfast accommodation be located?

Preferably, bed and breakfast accommodation should be located close to public transport, commercial centres, beaches or tourist attractions. The primary requirement for bed and breakfast accommodation is that it must be low key, be in keeping with the residential environment, and should not be detrimental to the amenity of the adjoining properties or surrounding area. It is therefore expected, as a guide, that bed and breakfast accommodation would consist of no more than 50 per cent of the bedrooms within the dwelling.

General requirements

Health Act

• The Health Act (1911) requires any premises where more than 6 guests are accommodated to be registered as a Lodging House with the Local Government

Food Act

• An application for registration of a food business must be approved by the City prior to the provision of food at the bed and breakfast

Aquatic Facilities Regulations

• If bed and breakfast accomodation includes or allows guests access to a pool, spa or other water body it would be considered to be an aquatic facility and the requirements of the Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 will apply.
• The Regulations call up a Code of Practice which has requirments for the design, construction and operation of an aquatic facility. Existing domestic pools or spas are unlikely to comply with the Code without modifications.  

Car parking

• One (1) on site car parking bay is required per room, in addition the two bays required for the permanent residents
• The bed and breakfast accommodation should not require the provision of additional car parking bays to be provided on the site in a manner that would detract from the residential appearance of the dwelling
• Car parking must not dominate the streetscape.

Signage

• One (1) advertising sign, not exceeding 0.2 square metres in area, is permitted on site

Public consultation

• All applications for bed and breakfast accommodation will be advertised for public comment for a minimum period of twenty one (21) days
• The City will arrange the public consultation process, however, all costs associated with advertising are to be borne by the applicant

Arrivals and departures

• Visitor arrivals and departures are to be between 6.00am and 11.00pm
• Any approval issued is valid for 12 months, after which time an application to renew the bed and breakfast accommodation activity must be submitted to the City

Planning approval process

Each application will be determined on its individual merits, having regard to the provisions of the Scheme and any comments received during the advertising period.

Planning application requirements

• An Application for Approval to Commence Development Form - MRS Form 1 signed by the owner of the land
• An application fee of $200.00
• Site plans - three copies drawn to a scale of not less than 1:200, showing the lot boundaries and on site parking provisions
• Floor plans - three copies indicating the areas of the dwelling to be used for the accommodation
• A cover letter stating the number of expected visitors, how the bed and breakfast will be operated, and the approximate time of stays
• If alterations or additions are proposed, a building licence may also be required  Building License requirements

Please note: applications cannot be accepted without the complete information, an application form and a fee, as referred to above.

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4961.