Urban Approval Group
Urban Approval Group›Councils›City of Busselton
South West WA

City of Busselton Airbnb & short term rental approval

Thinking of listing your Busselton or Dunsborough property on Airbnb? Development approval is required for all unhosted short-term rentals here — regardless of how many nights. Urban Approval Group handles the whole process.

Let Urban Approval Group handle your City of Busselton Airbnb approval

Management plan, application lodgement, and council follow-up — $300 flat fee + council charges

Get started →
At a glance

Key facts for City of Busselton

Approval typeChange of Use — Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation
Night thresholdNo exemption — council approval required from night one
Initial approval period24 months initially — source: Busselton YourSay LPP4.1 consultation. After 24 months the City considers issuing a permanent approval based on complaints received
council application fee$295 (2024–25 financial year)
State registrationRequired separately via the WA STRA Register ($250 initial)
AdvertisingNeighbour notification required for properties accommodating more than 9 people and all grouped/multiple dwellings
Key policyLocal Planning Policy 4.1 — Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation
ContactPlanning Services: (08) 9781 1731
What to submit

Documents required for your application

Things to know

Before you apply

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need approval if I only rent for a few weeks a year?
Yes. Unlike Perth metro councils, Busselton has no 90-night exemption. Any commercial short-term rental of an unhosted property requires development approval.
What is 'unhosted'?
Unhosted means guests have exclusive use of the entire property and no owner or manager lives on-site during the stay. This is the standard Airbnb whole-house rental model.
Can I get approval for a unit or apartment?
Yes, but all grouped dwelling and multiple dwelling applications are advertised to neighbours regardless of guest numbers. Single houses accommodating 9 or fewer people may not require neighbour advertising.
How long does the process take?
Budget 6–10 weeks from lodgement to decision for a straightforward application. Complex or advertised applications can take longer.

Next step

Ready to get your approval sorted?

We prepare everything — management plan, application form, all supporting documents — and lodge it directly with City of Busselton. You hear back when it's done.

$300 flat fee + council application fee (charged directly to you by the council). No hidden costs.

Start my application →

Information on this page is based on City of Busselton's published guidelines and is updated as council policies change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the council before lodging. View City of Busselton's official STRA guidance →