Hanover County Examines Short-term Rental Regulations

9/25/2024

The planning staff in Hanover County, Virginia, is considering curbing the use of Airbnb-style rental properties, but has failed to come to a consensus on its own rules and regulations. Jo Ann Hunter, the county's director of planning and community development, noted the staff has been working with the community development committee for the past 18-months on a short-term rental ordinance. Virginia Code defines a short-term rental as a room or space purchased to be occupied for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The General Assembly clarified the state's guidelines on short-term rentals in a bill, signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in April, preventing localities from requiring special permits for short-term rental units within dwellings also occupied by the property owner. Hunter said the future ordinance would set expectations for property owners looking to rent out portions of their home. Planning staff will also explore creating a registry of properties operating as short-term rentals and examine which zoning districts should permit them.

VPM (09/23/24) Lyndon Germany