The Senate of Virginia passed SB 544 (Bagby) by a vote of 25-15. The legislation prohibits a locality from adopting a local ordinance that requires a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit be obtained for the use of a residential dwelling as a short-term rental where the dwelling unit is also legally occupied by the property owner as his or her primary residence.
SB 544 is now headed to the House of Delegates for further consideration. VACo opposes SB 544.
Action required – Contact members of the House of Delegates (2-Part Email List – Delegates 1 | Delegates 2) to vote “NO” on SB 544.
KEY POINTS
- Local governments have the authority to regulate and address any potential impacts from the operation of short-term rentals within their community.
- Mandated changes to this authority that make short-term rentals a “by right” use erodes the ability of local elected officials to address impacts from their operation.
VACo Contact: Joe Lerch, AICP