Sunshine Coast Airbnb and short-term rental approval

There is no Sunshine Coast short-stay register. Low Density Residential and Rural Residential lots generally need a development approval or MCU. Tourist Accommodation and Medium / High-Density zones often do not need special planning approval — a business licence may still apply. A new planning scheme is expected to tighten controls.

Last verified 16 August 2026

View Sunshine Coast Council's official STRA / short-stay guidance →

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At a glance

Key facts for Sunshine Coast Council

Citywide permit / register	None. Queensland has no statewide short-stay register
Night cap	None published council-wide
Usually needs DA / MCU	Low Density Residential and Rural Residential zones
Often no special planning approval	Tourist Accommodation and Medium / High-Density Residential zones — business licence may still apply
Assessment	Accepted vs code vs impact depends on zone and overlays; public notification may apply
Watchlist	New planning scheme (expected ~2025–26) anticipated to introduce Noosa-style STR controls including 24/7 contact-person requirements
Neighbour council	Noosa Shire requires short-stay letting approval from night one under its own local law — do not mix the two
Smoke alarms	Statewide Queensland interconnection deadline 1 January 2027
Contact	Sunshine Coast Council — sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au STRA / short-stay page →

What to submit

Documents required for your application

✓ Planning scheme zone and overlay mapping for the lot
✓ Any existing development approvals that already authorise short-term or tourist accommodation
✓ Body corporate by-laws if the property is a unit
✓ If a DA / MCU is required: application forms, detailed plans, planning report addressing codes, guest management plan, and the Council fee
✓ Business licence application if Council requires one for your use even when planning approval is not needed

Things to know

Before you apply

A Caloundra apartment, a Mooloolaba unit and a hinterland house are not assessed the same way — the scheme tables of assessment are the source of truth.
If your lot is just over the boundary into Noosa, Noosa’s local law applies instead.
Monitor the incoming planning scheme for formal STR operational standards similar to Noosa.
Queensland smoke-alarm and pool-safety rules apply statewide.
Statewide overview: Queensland Airbnb rules guide.

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need Sunshine Coast Council approval to Airbnb my house?+

Usually yes in Low Density Residential or Rural Residential zones (DA or MCU). Often no special planning approval in Tourist Accommodation or Medium / High-Density zones — check whether a business licence still applies.

What is the approval process?+

Where assessable, submit detailed plans and address the relevant codes; public notification may apply depending on category. We prepare and lodge the pack where a DA / MCU is required.

Is it the same as Noosa?+

No. Noosa has a dedicated Short Stay Letting local law requiring approval from night one. Sunshine Coast assesses through its planning scheme — and is moving toward tighter STR controls in a new scheme.

What about hinterland or rural residential properties?+

Those zones are where unhosted short-term use is most often constrained. Confirm overlays and amenity provisions before you invest in fit-out.

Is there a 90-night rule?+

No. The 90-night threshold is a Western Australian Perth-metro planning rule, not a Queensland rule.

Nearby

Other councils, shires and towns in this area

Noosa Shire Council Brisbane City Council City of Gold Coast

Next step

Ready to get your approval sorted?

We’ll map your Sunshine Coast address against the planning scheme, confirm whether an MCU or DA is required (and any business licence), and lodge the application if approval applies.

$500 flat fee + council application fee (charged directly to you by the council). No hidden costs.

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Information on this page is based on Sunshine Coast Council's published guidelines and is updated as council policies change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the council before lodging. View Sunshine Coast Council's official STRA / short-stay guidance → Last verified 16 August 2026.