SB 1491 (Stuart) is scheduled to be heard by the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee at 4:30 p.m. on February 13. SB 1491 expands the definition of “agritourism activity” by including the rental of a single-family residence for a period of at least one week. VACo opposes this measure because it further reduces local land use regulatory authority. SB 1491 passed the Senate on a 31-9 vote.
Under legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2014, HB 268 (Orrock) and SB 51 (Stuart), localities were restricted from regulating any “agritourism activity” (as defined in Section 3.2-6400 of the Code of Virginia) unless the operation has a “substantial impact upon the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.” Under the 2014 legislation, localities were also prohibited from requiring a special exception, special use permit or any “administrative permit” not required by state law.
VACo urges members to contact Delegates on the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee to oppose SB 1491.
TALKING POINTS
- Defining these rental properties as Agritourism will severely limit local land use authority and will prevent localities from regulating these short-term rentals.
- The subject of shorter-term rentals of single family residences should be addressed through legislation and regulations that apply to Airbnb and similar companies..
- SB 1491 does not define a “single family residence,” which could be a large structure in which many customers can be temporarily housed at the same time.
KEY CONTACTS
House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee’s Agriculture Subcommittee: Knight (Chairman), Orrock, Poindexter, Webert, Bloxom, James, Keam
VACo Members – Share your thoughts on FlagPoll.
VACo Contact: Larry Land, CAE