Where is the enforcement of Byron Shire’s 60-day Airbnb cap?
During the community debate over short-term holiday letting in Byron Shire in March 2023, I questioned whether Council could effectively monitor and enforce a proposed cap on Airbnb and other short-term rentals.
My concerns were publicly dismissed, with then Mayor Michael Lyon referring to my comment as that of an ‘ignorant shit’ on social media. (screenshot of post supplied)
The 60-day cap has been in place since September 2024. Under the rules, non-hosted short-term rental accommodation is generally limited to 60 days within a 365-day period. However, properties in designated areas of Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads may operate for up to 365 days.
Several properties in my area operate as holiday rentals without an on-site manager and outside the designated 365-day precincts.
This raises a central question: how is Byron Shire Council enforcing the 60-day limit?
Specifically: How many properties have been investigated since the cap came into effect? How many breaches have been identified? How many warnings, compliance notices, penalties or other enforcement actions have been issued? Andn how does Council determine how many days a property has been used for non-hosted short-term rental accommodation?
Residents were told the cap would help address the impact of holiday letting on local housing supply. That objective depends on effective monitoring and enforcement.
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