On October 4th, the local Council convened to deliberate on a growing concern that has been affecting the quality of life for many residents: issues related to poorly managed short-stay accommodations. Responding to a petition submitted on September 6th, the Council agreed to activate Clause 59 of the Local Law to take targeted action against establishments causing disruptive effects in residential areas.

12-Month Trial Period Introduced

The Council has approved a 12-month trial designed to measure the impact of enforcement actions against short-stay accommodations causing excessive amenity impacts. These impacts will be assessed based on factors such as the history of complaints, the number of people making these complaints, and the overall effect on neighbouring properties.

Three-Step Amenity Management Plans

To ensure an organised response to complaints, the Council will implement a three-step Amenity Management Plan. The plan will guide the actions taken from the moment a complaint is filed until a resolution is achieved.

• Complaint Received: Local Law officers will be tasked with collecting evidence, including written statements and possible audio or video recordings. This will be done in accordance with newly established guidelines.
• Outcome of investigation: After the investigation is complete, officers may choose between issuing a warning for one-time violations or asking for an Amenity Management Plan to be submitted within a stipulated period.
• Implementation of Amenity Management Plan: Similar to existing requirements for rooming houses, these tailored plans will address various issues such as noise levels, waste management, and parking. The accommodation owner will be held accountable for managing these issues and complying with the plan's terms.

Failure to adhere to the Amenity Management Plan could result in financial penalties or even legal action.

Post-Trial Evaluation

At the end of the 12-month trial period, Council Officers will provide an evaluation detailing the effectiveness of the measures taken. This will include data on how and when Clause 59 of the Local Law was applied to short-stay accommodations and whether it has resulted in meaningful improvements.